Burning vs. Chipping Our Green Waste
By
What should we do with our
backyard green waste? For years, and for
the majority of county residents, it has been either thrown out with the trash
or burned. What exactly is green
waste? It is plant and tree trimmings
and weeds.
Why the big to-do about it now? At the
end of the 2003 fire season, backyard burning of any kind was generally
outlawed by the Air Pollution Control District (APCD). It is still allowed on designated ‘burn
days’, only with an APCD burn permit, and on lots ¾ acre or larger. But, why burn at all, no matter what the size
of our backyards? Emissions created from
green waste burning contribute to poor air quality and contain cancer causing
substances. Children, seniors, and those
with compromised respiratory systems may be particularly affected.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of burning verses the various
alternatives. While burning may seem
inexpensive, hidden costs exist in both health and air quality.
On the other hand, most areas of the county now offer green waste pickup
curbside on regular trash days, and containers may be provided (Contact your
local sanitary service for more info.)
Community green waste drop-off sites are located throughout the county
from which green waste materials are subsequently chipped or composted.
Free green waste chipping events are held throughout the county that are a
successful way to eliminate green waste, reduce fire hazards and prevent
unwanted air pollution. Or, best of all,
if you are a little more ambitious and want to keep your green waste, chippers
can be rented or hired at reasonable rates.
Share the costs with a neighbor or two and turn your green waste into
gold. Chipped trimmings recycled into
your gardens as mulch can immeasurably benefit the soil. Chipped material spread three to four inches
thick over the soil acts as a weed inhibitor.
As the chipped material decomposes and becomes incorporated into the
soil, the soil becomes richer and easier to work.
Even larger commercial agricultural operations have begun to chip what they
used to burn. Research shows that
chipped prunings left in the orchard break down in the soil, create a healthy
soil micro-environment, add nutrients, and improve soil tilth.
So, the next time you approach your green waste pile, match in hand, think
about what your garden will be missing.
Maybe there is a good reason why your match won’t light.