MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, October 2, 2003

LESS THAN A MONTH BEFORE CITY TERMINATES COLLECTION OF GRASS CLIPPINGS

Frederick, Md. --- Please be advised that effective November 1, 2003, the City of Frederick will no longer collect grass clippings as part of its trash collection services. The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding this policy change:

Does this change affect all yard waste?
No - this only affects grass clippings. The City of Frederick will continue to collect brush and branches when they are properly bagged, or cut into lengths not exceeding 4 ft., bundled, and securely tied.

Don't I have to bag clippings for a nice lawn?
No. Bagging grass clippings was a personal preference and a habit that many homeowners have acquired. Grasscycling provides a more environmental and economic solution. When done properly it will provide a healthy and aesthetically pleasing yard.

What can I do with my clippings?
There are several options citizens can utilize including:
§ Mulching Mowers - Leave the clippings on your lawn when you mow. Grass clippings contain mostly water and easily decompose to provide up to 25% of your lawn's total fertilizer needs.
§ Frederick County Composting - Residents may deposit their clippings free-of-charge at the following locations:
o Frederick County Landfill - 9031 Reichs Ford Rd, Frederick
o Heritage Farm Park - Devilbiss Bridge Rd., Walkersville
o Brunswick - 13th Avenue
For additional information please contact Frederick County Government at (301) 696-2960 or www.co.frederick.md.us/recycling.
§ Backyard Composting - Information is available from the Frederick County Government at (301) 696-2960 or www.co.frederick.md.us/recycling.

Were grass clippings a problem before?
Yes. Many customers who set out clippings were in violation of existing City ordinances. Ordinance states that residents may set out up to 90-gallons of refuse per collection. By setting out only 3 bags of grass clippings, a resident has reached their limit before setting out any other household waste. The 90-gallon limit is twice the amount that a single-family home should set out, based on a national average of recycling households. The weight and bulk of clippings have always posed an occupational safety hazard for the City's trash collection personnel.

Why did the City choose to discontinue collecting grass clippings?
Grass clippings are biodegradable. Combining them with garbage is a waste of valuable landfill space, and the collection and disposal of clippings is very costly.

When and how did this change come about?
This change was approved by the Mayor and Board of Alderman at the June 5, 2003 Public Meeting, following the recommendation of the City-sponsored, Residential Solid Waste Working Group and the Neighborhood Advisory Committees.

Is this change references in the City of Frederick Code?
Yes. City of Frederick Code of Laws Chapter 10 (Solid Waste Management.)
Article II. Waste Collection and Disposal. Sec. 10-22. Yard waste service restrictions. That section of the City Code states:
(a) All persons who are in the business of trimming trees, shrubs, or grass shall be solely responsible for disposal of all grass, brush and brushable material generated in connection with their business activities within the city.

(b) Yard waste, with the exception of grass clippings, generated by residents may be set out in a normal waste container and are subject to waste container weight limitations. Tree limbs, twigs, and brush will be collected if such material is cut by the depositor to lengths not exceeding four (4) feet, and bundled and firmly tied such that each bundle shall not weigh more than twenty-five (25) pounds. Loose leaves may be placed within the city right-of-way only during approved special collecting days established by the city.

(c) Grass Clippings. Residents shall not set grass clippings out with their refuse for collection by the city or its agents.

(d) Violation of this section is declared to be a municipal infraction. The penalty for violation shall be a fine of $50.00 for the first offense. Upon subsequent violations of this ordinance, said fine shall be $100.00 per violation.

Does this mean there will not be a leaf collection this fall?
The City of Frederick will also continue to provide the annual fall leaf collection beginning in early November. Please check the City's website and local media for additional details as the season progresses.

For further information regarding grass clippings please contact the Superintendent of Waste Collection and Disposal, Gerald Palm, at 301-600-1377.