Every fall in Southern Colorado brings cooler temperatures, incredible mountain views, and one other thing that every homeowner knows all too well: mountains of leaves. Whether your yard is full of aspens, oaks, maples, cottonwoods, or elm trees, those leaves eventually end up on the ground and need to be handled responsibly. For some homeowners, this is a quick weekend chore. For others, especially those on larger properties or with heavy tree coverage, leaf cleanup becomes a major annual project.
At Earthwise Waste Solutions, we spend a lot of time helping local homeowners understand how to manage yard waste the right way. Leaves seem simple, but many residents dispose of them improperly without realizing the environmental or municipal impact. Dumping leaves in storm drains, storing them in plastic bags that never break down, or piling them in areas where they blow into neighbors’ yards or roads creates problems for both the community and the environment.
This guide walks you through the proper, eco-responsible ways to dispose of yard waste, with a special focus on leaves. We will look at how to collect them, how to prepare them for disposal, where they should go, and why following best practices matters more than most people realize.
Why It Matters to Dispose of Leaves the Right Way
Leaves might seem harmless, but their disposal has a surprisingly large impact on local ecosystems and municipal systems. When leaves are handled improperly, several issues can occur.
Leaves can clog storm drains
When leaves accumulate in gutters and storm drains, they block the flow of water. This can lead to localized flooding, backups, and damage to drainage infrastructure. Cities across Southern Colorado experience this every fall because so many homeowners rake leaves toward curbs without realizing the consequences.
Organic matter impacts waterways
When leaves wash into local creeks and rivers, they start to break down and release nutrients. While nutrients sound helpful, too many entering a waterway can reduce oxygen levels and harm aquatic life.
Plastic bags create long-term waste
Bagging yard debris in traditional black trash bags might feel convenient, but plastic takes many years to break down. When leaves are sealed inside a plastic bag without oxygen, they do not decompose normally. Instead of returning to the soil, they become trapped waste in landfills.
Municipal codes may require proper disposal
Many cities and counties in Colorado have clear guidelines on where yard waste should and should not go. Understanding the correct disposal methods helps you stay in compliance and avoid fines.
Responsible disposal supports soil health
When leaves are composted, mulched, or recycled through proper channels, they can be turned into nutrient rich material that benefits gardens, landscaping, and agriculture. Treating leaves as a renewable resource instead of trash helps the environment and reduces landfill use.
Earthwise Waste Solutions encourages every resident to make smart environmental choices, and proper leaf disposal is one of the easiest ways to make a positive impact on the community.
Step One: Collecting Leaves the Smart Way
Leaf collection is more than grabbing a rake. There are several methods that make the process efficient and environmentally friendly.
Raking
The traditional rake is still one of the most effective tools for gathering leaves. Rake leaves into manageable piles, ideally on a tarp for easy transport. This prevents leaves from blowing back across your yard or into the street.
Mulching with your mower
Many modern lawn mowers have a mulching function that chops leaves into tiny pieces. Mulched leaves break down naturally and help feed your lawn. This is one of the simplest and most environmentally friendly methods, especially when leaf volume is moderate.
Leaf blowers
Leaf blowers can be helpful for larger yards, but should always be used responsibly. Blow leaves into piles well away from streets, gutters, and drainage systems. Gas powered blowers should only be used if necessary due to noise and emissions, while electric models are more environmentally friendly.
Using a leaf vacuum
Leaf vacuums are becoming more popular because they collect and shred leaves at the same time. Shredded leaves are easier to bag, compost, or reuse in your landscaping.
Regardless of the method you choose, the goal is to gather leaves in a way that prevents them from blowing away or entering storm drains. Once they are collected, it is time to decide how you want to dispose of them.
Step Two: Choosing the Best Disposal Method
There are several proper and responsible ways to dispose of leaves. The right method depends on your property size, the amount of debris you have, and how hands on you want to be.
Option One: Composting Leaves at Home
Composting is one of the most sustainable ways to handle yard waste. Leaves are high in carbon, making them a key ingredient in a balanced compost pile. When mixed with nitrogen rich materials like grass clippings, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds, the decomposition process creates nutrient rich compost that can be used for gardens, flower beds, or soil improvement.
If you want to compost leaves effectively, here are a few tips:
• Shred leaves before adding them to your compost pile
• Mix leaves with other organic materials to balance carbon and nitrogen
• Keep the pile moist but not wet
• Turn your compost regularly to promote airflow
• Store extra dry leaves in a bin or bag to use for future composting needs
Composting requires some time and effort, but the results are worth it. You reduce landfill waste and create a natural soil amendment that benefits your property.
Option Two: Using Leaves as Mulch
Shredded leaves make an excellent mulch for garden beds, trees, shrubs, and walkways. Leaf mulch helps retain moisture, improve soil structure, combat weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
To use leaves as mulch, simply shred them with a mower or leaf vacuum, then spread them evenly over your garden beds. Make sure to avoid piling them too thickly around tree trunks or plant stems, since this can trap moisture against the bark and create rot.
Option Three: Curbside Yard Waste Pickup
Many cities in Southern Colorado offer curbside yard waste collection throughout the fall season. If your local municipality supports it, this can be one of the easiest ways to dispose of leaves. Most programs require the following:
• Leaves must be placed in compostable paper yard bags
• Plastic bags are rarely accepted
• Bags should not exceed a certain weight limit
• Bags must be placed at the curb by a designated pickup day
• Some cities require registration for fall cleanup events
Earthwise Waste Solutions encourages you to check your local waste guidelines before relying on curbside collection.
Option Four: Drop Off at an Approved Yard Waste Facility
If you have large volumes of leaves or want to ensure your yard waste is recycled properly, dropping them off at an approved facility is a great option. Many homeowners prefer this because it guarantees the material will be composted or processed rather than sent to a landfill.
Earthwise Waste Solutions routinely provides guidance to residents about local yard waste drop off locations and seasonal disposal events. These facilities typically accept:
• Leaves
• Grass clippings
• Tree branches
• Garden trimmings
• Plant debris
Some facilities may charge a small fee depending on the volume, but many seasonal events are free to the public.
Option Five: Renting a Small Dumpster or Rolloff
For homeowners with multiple mature trees or those managing large properties, leaf cleanup can be overwhelming. Renting a small rolloff or dumpster provides a stress free way to collect and haul away large quantities of yard waste at once.
Earthwise Waste Solutions offers rolloff dumpsters in sizes that work well for yard debris projects. Instead of making multiple trips to a drop off center or filling dozens of paper bags, you simply load debris into the dumpster and let our team handle the disposal. This is a popular option for:
• Fall cleanups
• HOAs with high volume leaf waste
• Properties with heavy tree coverage
• Seasonal property maintenance
• Landscaping projects
Choosing the right rolloff size saves time and makes cleanup far more manageable.
What Not to Do With Leaves
Even though most homeowners have good intentions, there are several common mistakes to avoid when dealing with leaf removal.
Do not dump leaves in storm drains or ditches
This causes clogging, flooding, and environmental problems downstream. Storm drains are designed to carry water, not yard debris.
Do not burn leaves in residential areas
Burning leaves releases harmful chemicals into the air and is restricted or banned in many parts of Southern Colorado. It also creates a fire hazard, especially during dry periods.
Do not place leaves in regular trash bags
Plastic bags prevent natural decomposition and add unnecessary waste to landfills. Always use paper yard bags if bagging leaves.
Do not leave large piles of leaves sitting for weeks
Leaf piles attract pests, block grass from receiving sunlight, and can produce mold. They also blow around in windy Colorado weather and become a nuisance for neighbors.
Do not assume leaves will break down on their own
Although leaves eventually decompose, large layers can smother lawns and landscaping. Proper removal keeps your yard healthy and reduces long term maintenance.
Why Responsible Leaf Disposal Supports a Healthier Community
Every homeowner plays a small role in keeping our community clean, safe, and environmentally responsible. Leaves seem like a minor part of that equation, but when you multiply yard waste across thousands of homes, the impact becomes significant.
Proper disposal helps:
• Reduce landfill volume
• Protect waterways and storm systems
• Improve soil health
• Support local compost and recycling programs
• Enhance neighborhood appearance
• Reduce fire hazards
• Keep wildlife habitats stable
At Earthwise Waste Solutions, our goal is to provide the community with simple, effective ways to manage waste responsibly. Leaves are one of the most abundant natural materials produced by residential properties, making them an easy opportunity for sustainable habits.
How Earthwise Waste Solutions Makes Leaf Disposal Easier
Earthwise Waste Solutions is proud to support Southern Colorado homeowners with a variety of services that help with seasonal cleanup and responsible waste management. While we do not collect loose yard waste directly, we do offer dumpster rentals that make cleanup fast and stress free for homeowners, landscaping companies, and HOAs.
Here is how we help:
• Easy scheduling
• Fast delivery and pickup
• Affordable dumpster rental options
• Support for yard projects of any size
• Guidance on proper disposal practices
• Service coverage throughout Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Teller County, and surrounding areas
If you have a large amount of leaves to dispose of, or if you want a more efficient and convenient way to handle seasonal cleanups, a rolloff dumpster is one of the best solutions available.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Cleanup Simple, Responsible, and Earthwise
Leaves are a natural part of life in Colorado. Managing them properly keeps your yard healthy and your community cleaner. Whether you compost them, mulch them, use a curbside program, drop them at a yard waste facility, or rent a dumpster from Earthwise Waste Solutions, the important thing is choosing a method that is responsible and environmentally friendly.
If you want help choosing the right dumpster size for your project or need guidance on yard waste disposal, Earthwise Waste Solutions is here to support you. Contact us today to make your fall cleanup easier and more efficient.
