Cities urge residents to keep leaves from storm drains to curb flooding

Cities and environmental groups are urging residents to keep fallen leaves and other yard waste out of streets, storm drains, ditches and waterways, where debris can clog drainage systems, worsen flooding and pollute lakes and streams with excess nutrients. Rockford residents can use approved paper bags or marked containers for leaves and grass clippings, while branches must be bundled or placed in approved containers; the city’s yard-waste pickup generally continues into late November or early December. Madison-area residents are encouraged to mulch or compost leaves, use them in garden beds, or take advantage of municipal collection. Longview residents are advised to clear leaves from around storm drains and use city pickup, composting or mulching, while Rossville residents are asked not to burn leaves and can use the town compost area or curbside vacuum pickup.