Jackson Free Press

The one drawback to fall is the plethora of leaves that gather in our yards, which brings on the inevitably not-fun task of raking the piles. The city of Jackson has some do's and don'ts for exposing of your leaves.

DO place leaves in garbage bags (preferably compostable), trash cans or any type of lawn or garden bag.

DON'T rake leaves and other debris on the curb. Or into your neighbor's yard. That's just mean.

DO make sure inlets and drain pipes are clear of leaves to avoid damage or flooding issues.

DO place the bags at the street by 7 a.m. on garbage-collection day. They will be collected with the rest of your trash.

DON'T be discouraged if you find only a couple of your bags gone. It may take collectors up to two days to get them depending on how many there are.

DON'T leave bags loose or open.

DON'T leave bags on the curb that weigh more than 60 pounds.

DON'T mix trash with the leaves.

REMEMBER that putting leaves in storm drains is considered an illicit discharge (anything in the municipal separate storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of storm water) and is subject to fines. If the storm sewers have an illicit discharge, the contaminated wastewater enters into storm drains or directly into the local water supply before getting treated at a wastewater plant.