FAIRWAY, KS (KCTV) -
For the first time this year, if residents in Johnson County want to throw their leaves and other debris out, they have to buy special trash bags, but there are easy ways to save some green this fall.
In an effort to extend the life of the Johnson County landfill, county officials enacted tough new rules barring homeowners from throwing out yard waste along with other trash.
Now homeowners have to buy special bags that cost several dollars apiece.
Dennis Patton with the Kansas State extension office recommends people skip the landfill all together.
"One thing to do is just mow that back into the yard, mulch mowing, the same as you do with grass clippings in the summer," Patton said.
Patton says mulch mowing or simply chopping up those leaves with the lawnmower is the easiest option.
People save all that time raking their yard, and the leaves will eventually degrade back into the lawn.
But if someone has a green thumb, starting their own compost bin may be the best option.
Not only can one dispose of yard waste for free, but they will also have great soil in time for spring.
"Instead of going out to the garden center and spending $5 for a bag of compost, you can generate it for free in your backyard. Then use that on your flowers of vegetables," Patton said.
Patton says a little yard work this fall will end up saving people more than they realize.
The Kansas State extension office is offering compost bins for more than half off; click here for more details.
The county hopes these new rules will pay off and expect the landfill to remain operational until about 2040.
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