Keep Leaves and Yard Debris Out of Streets and Storm Drains

Published on September 22, 2026

Only rain should go down the drain. Keep leaves, limbs and trash out!

Storm drains capture rainwater and move it throughout our community through underground pipes that lead straight to nearby streams. When leaves, trash or other debris block these drains, water can back up and cause flooding. With over 100,000 storm drain inlets across the area, it’s important to keep them clear to prevent flooding and protect water quality of our creeks. Here’s how you can help!

1. Check Storm Drains Often

If you see a storm drain near your home or business, take a moment to check it and remove any leaves or trash. If you can’t safely reach a storm drain along a street or there is a major blockage, report it:

Some streets are maintained by the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT), especially major streets. Visit Go NC! to view an online map of state-maintained roads. To report issues on those streets:

What Happens After You Report It?

City of Charlotte

  • Charlotte Storm Water Services coordinates closely with the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) Street Maintenance Division. If you request storm drain cleaning, CDOT will send a crew to clear it. If you report other drainage concerns, Charlotte Storm Water Services will contact you, gather more info and may schedule a visit.
  • Solid Waste Services provides specialized street cleaning services on city-maintained streets and rights-of-way. These services include street sweeping, litter control/removal and illegal dump cleanup.

Towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville and unincorporated Mecklenburg County

  • Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services coordinates with the Public Works Departments in each municipality to address any concerns.

2. Know what to do with Leaves and Yard Debris

Leaves and grass clippings release nutrients as they break down. Too many nutrients can fuel algae growth, reduce oxygen and harm aquatic life. Keep yard debris out of streets and storm drains to help protect water quality. Here are five tips:

  • Mulch Them: Run your lawnmower over dry leaves to chop them into small pieces. The leaves can break down on your lawn and return nutrients to the soil naturally.
  • Compost: Add leaves and grass clippings to a backyard compost pile or bin.
  • Use as mulch: Use leaves and yard debris as mulch in natural areas and planting beds. Doing this can create overwintering habitat for salamanders, turtles, and larvae for butterfly and moth species.
  • Bag or put into yard bin: Place leaves and other yard waste in approved paper lawn bags, bins or containers for your local collection service.
  • Keep Surfaces Clear: Sweep leaves and debris from driveways, sidewalks and other hard surfaces so they are not carried by wind or rain into the street or storm drains.

What Not to Do

  • Never blow or rake leaves into the street, ditches or storm drains.
  • Never dump yard waste near streams, wetlands or community ponds/ditches.
  • Do not leave piles of leaves where wind and rain can wash them into the street or storm drains.

3. Volunteer to Keep Your Community Clean

Volunteer with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services. 

  • Join us for a stream clean up.
  • Adopt-A-Stream near you!
  • Mark storm drains with “This Drain Is Only for Rain. Do Not Dump – Drains to Creek” decals.

Volunteer to Adopt-A-City-Street through Keep Charlotte Beautiful or various cleanup programs through Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful.

Related Links

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