Indianapolis, IN – Indiana officials are reminding residents this week that burning fall leaves is not only outdated but harmful to air quality and community health.
According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), open burning releases pollutants that can worsen respiratory issues and contribute to poor air quality statewide. The agency is encouraging Hoosiers to choose cleaner, more sustainable methods to manage yard waste this fall.
Instead of burning, IDEM recommends residents “leave the leaves” in place to decompose naturally or use a mulching mower to return nutrients to the soil. Composting is another option — combining yard and food waste to create nutrient-rich compost for gardens.
Residents can also take advantage of local yard waste pickup programs or drop leaves at designated compost sites, including the Valparaiso Compost Site, which accepts yard debris from Porter County residents.
IDEM’s campaign, shared under hashtags like #CleanAir, #GoGreen, and #LeaveTheLeaves, aims to reduce open burning statewide while promoting cleaner, more sustainable waste management practices.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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