PURCELLVILLE, Va. NOVEMBER 7, 2019— The Town of Purcellville reminds residents and contractors to not place/blow grass clippings, leaves, sticks or any other debris into the Town’s storm drains. With wind and heavy rains, debris in the storm drains will cause the storm drains to back-up and overflow onto the Town streets. The Town does not provide leaf pick-up service other than the service provided by our contractor, American Disposal.
Our trash contractor, American Disposal, collects yard waste every Wednesday. Residents are encouraged to place their grass/leaf clipping in either a rolled-up biodegradable bag or in a trash container marked “yard waste.” American will collect up to 10 bags per customer per pick up. “Yard Waste stickers” are available at Town Hall. If you prefer not to bag your yard waste, please blow or sweep the grass clippings back into your yard. The EPA recommends leaving the grass clippings on your lawn to promote a natural fertilizer. When short grass clippings filter to the ground, they naturally decompose and nutrients return to the soil to support further turn growth by supplying part of the lawns fertilizer needs.
As a reminder, tree limbs or brush should be bundled with rope or twine. Limbs can be no longer than 4 ft. in length and 3 in. thick in diameter.
Storm drains flow directly to our streams and bays, and yard waste contributes nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous, which cause unwanted and uncontrolled growth of algae and aquatic weeds. Increased algae growth is observed as green algae blooms or “scums” on lakes and ponds. Too much algae is harmful to our natural water system as it blocks sunlight and prevents other plants from growing. When it dies and decays, it also takes much needed oxygen away from fish. With your help, we can reduce the amount of waste flowing into our storm drains.
