Illegal Dumping

A serious problem in Northwest Branch involves homeowners dumping yard waste and lawn trimmings directly into stream valleys.  Disposing yard waste and lawn trimmings along streambanks suffocates and kills valuable plants that are vital for protection against streambank erosion.  Dumping also contributes unnecessary nutrients to the stream while robbing the stream of valuable oxygen.  These impacts degrade the quality of your neighborhood stream, Northwest Branch, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.  Before dumping consider composting the organic material or utilizing the County recycling services.  For more information regarding County guidelines for disposing of yard waste, visit the Department of Public Works and Transportation website at http://montgomerycountymd.gov/Content/DPWT/index.asp or call Customer Service: 240-777-6410, or visit the Department of Environmental Protection website at www.askdep.com for ways to eliminate yard clippings entirely.