City Ordinance on Burning - CITY CODE SECTION: 105.05(1)

• Burning is allowed: Mon thru Sat  (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.) from: Mar 15th to Jun 1st., and Sep15th to Dec 1st..   

• NO outdoor burning is allowed on Sundays.

• Only natural yard waste can be burned.  It is unlawful to burn household trash, garbage, tires, paint, or petroleum products.  

• No burning is allowed in the street or ditches.  
  

The Effects of Burning Leaves and Yard Waste:

The continued allowance of open burning leaves in Iowa communities poses many threats to Iowans economically, medically and emotionally. Effects of leaf burning include:
* Increased hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses.
* Increased costs for trips to the doctor and medicatios for sensitive people.
* Increased mortality.
* Decreased visibility from intense leaf burning which increases the potential for auto accidents and death.
* Costs related to out-of-control fires such as personal injuries, property damage and cost for the fire department.
* Personal injury and increased potential for injury to children.
* Airborne particles can aggravate the symptoms of those with respiratory problems.
* Those with chronic problems such as allergies and asthma are affected.
* 85% of the particles from leaf smoke are inhaled deep in the lungs which can cause adverse physical or chemical effects.
* Serious forest and grass fires may result from our-of-control leaf fires.
* The smoke from burning leaves affects more than just the yard or neighborhood where the burning occurs.
* Those experiencing respiratory problems have decreased mobility and cannot enjoy the fall season.
* Damage to streets can occur from the piles of burning leaves.
* Taking account the results of burning leaves such as illness, decreased strength and a shortened life span, it must be realized that in the long run these things cannot be measured in a dollar amount.

Alternatives to Burning Leaves and Yard Waste:

* Mulching
     -Adds vital nutrients to the soil
     -Prevents wind and water erosion
Shred leaves while mowing and leave on your lawn. Most lawn mowers now come with a detachable mulching blade, or you can purchase one for you mower at a minimal cost.

* Use leaf mulch around shrubs and garden plants
     -Discourages weeds
     -Reduces moisture loss
     -Helps control temperature
     -Provides a neat, finished appearance

* Home composting of leaves for use as a fertilizer and soil conditioner
     -A properly managed compost pile emits no odors
     -Adds vital organic matter to build up soil and retain  
      more moisture

How to make a leaf compost pile
1. Select an out-of-the-way area that is accessible to water.
2. Make a 2-foot deep pit or enclose the compost pile in fencing or other framework.
3. Place leaves in loose layers, alternating with soil and other vegetative waste.
4. Leaves will decompose faster if a high nitrogen fertilizer is added to each layer.
5. Keep moist
6. Cover with straw, tarp or plastic to retain heat.
7. Keep well aerated by frequent turning of the pile after a few weeks to ensure all parts are thoroughly mixed.

Advantages to Recycling Your Leaves
* Save money in costs of peat and fertilizer
* Reduce the city's waste collection load at less cost to the tax payer.
* Reduce the danger of leaf fires.
* Reduces the city's air pollution problem as caused by leaf burning.
* Eliminate the waste of a material that could be of benefit to you.

* Bag your leaves for collection