Gulf Coast municipalities, including Galveston, New Iberia, Morse, and Lake Charles, have implemented fines to curb improper disposal of yard waste in public streets and storm drains. The growing issue of grass clippings and garden debris being improperly discarded has led to stricter penalties as communities unite to keep their roads and drainage systems clear.
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Communities along the Gulf Coast, especially those situated along Louisiana’s Interstate 10 corridor, have come together this summer to address the increasing issue of improper yard waste disposal. Cities stretching from New Iberia to Lake Charles have enacted or strengthened regulations that penalize residents for improperly disposing of yard debris, such as grass clippings and garden waste, in public streets and storm drains.
The city of Galveston, known for its historically challenging drainage system, has recently implemented a similar ordinance.
City spokesperson Marissa Barnett has confirmed that improperly disposing of grass clippings or yard waste in the MS4 (municipal separate storm sewer system) is against city ordinances and Texas Health and Safety Code Section 365, categorizing such violations as a Class C misdemeanor. Those who break the rules may incur penalties of up to $500 or face a potential jail term of up to 30 days.
In New Iberia, the city council enacted a $500 fine, effective as of June, for individuals found sweeping or blowing yard waste into public areas, including storm drains. The ordinance implemented last month has faced some opposition. “We simply sent a letter, and it hasn’t made any impact,” stated Mayor Freddie DeCourte. “I believe our actions are challenging—quite extreme—but essential.”
A comparable ordinance was adopted in Morse, a small village with a population of under 600, in late August.
A recent law has introduced a $50 penalty for blowing grass clippings onto public roadways, with increased fines for repeat violations. Police Chief Barton Kibodeaux took to Facebook to communicate with the community, emphasizing the importance of keeping yard waste off the roadways to ensure safety, particularly for those on motorcycles and bicycles. "This poses a significant risk for both motorcycles and bicycles." Kibodeaux emphasized the importance of maintaining safe roadways for all travelers, stating, "While we would rather not issue fines for this, our priority is safety."
Last week in Lake Charles, City Administrator John Cardone issued a reminder to the city’s 81,000 residents about the $200 fine associated with the improper disposal of landscaping or land-clearing debris, which encompasses grass clippings, leaves, and brush.
Cardone cautioned that the presence of these materials in storm drains or on public streets could result in serious drainage issues. “What might appear to be a harmless action is, in fact, detrimental and against the law,” he stated. “As this waste accumulates in our underground drainage systems, the flow becomes increasingly sluggish and, in certain instances, may become completely obstructed by the gathered debris.”
The Louisiana State University AgCenter recommends various strategies to ensure proper disposal of yard waste.
A suggested approach involves utilizing a mulching blade, priced between $30 and $40, which effectively chops grass into finer fragments that naturally break down in the yard. The AgCenter promotes a practice known as "grasscycling," which involves trimming only one-third of the grass length at a time, allowing clippings to return to the lawn.
Nonetheless, the AgCenter cautions against using this method in proximity to dandelions or other weeds, as it could facilitate their spread.
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