The Department of Environmental Quality encourages Michigan residents to compost or mulch leaves into a valuable resource rather than burning them.
Leaf burning leads to air pollution, health problems and is a fire hazard.
It also is illegal in many communities. Burning leaves produce ash, and also release carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons which contain toxic, irritant and carcinogenic compounds. They are not healthy for people to breathe and can be particularly harmful to children, older residents or people with allergies, asthma or related problems. Composting and mulching are easy, safe and environmentally sound ways of managing most yard waste. Many communities have developed municipal composting programs.