An Ames ordinance passed last spring outlawing the burning of leaves in residential yards has prompted an increased need for alternate methods of leaf disposal.

In passing the ordinance, the Ames City Council took into consideration possible health and environmental risks associated with the burning of leaves, said Steve Salvo of the Ames Public Works Department. He said the council also considered that the burning of leaves causes medical conditions and problematic smoke in the residential areas.

The City of Ames and private companies now have several alternative choices for leaf disposal to offer the community.

To people living in residential areas within city limits, the Leaf Relief Program is one new option. Salvo said the program is running for the first time and is active between Oct. 15 and Nov. 20.

The service is being provided by the Ames Public Works Department in response to the new ordinance.

For $30 a visit, residents’ piles of leaves can be vacuumed up by city crews. The vacuums can only accommodate leaves — brush and grass need to be disposed of by other methods, Salvo said. The vacuumed leaves are shredded and redistributed on city property.

An appointment is needed one week in advance to schedule the service, and commercial buildings cannot participate in the program, he said.

Salvo said those not living in residential areas will be forced to use programs other than the Leaf Relief Program.

So far, there have been “more inquiries than sign-ups,” Salvo said. However, he said he expects more participants as the fall season progresses.

The Ames-Story Environmental Landfill, which provides a free leaf drop-off program for the community, is another option available to residents.

Residents can drop their leaves off at the site on certain days. The landfill is located at 2101 Watt St., and designated free leaf days are Oct. 24 and 31, and Nov. 7 and 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

One Saturday in April will be designated for the disposal of brush, leaves and grass, said Monica Fedeler of Ames-Story Environmental Landfill.

“Between 1,500 and 3,000 residents drop off on a good day,” Fedeler said.

She said the leaves dumped at the landfill are composted and the brush is chipped for anyone to take.

Some garbage services sell bags and stickers for leaf disposal. Most bags and stickers average between $1 to $2 each.

The designated leaf bags are picked up along with the residents’ other garbage, and the leaves are sent to the landfill.

Iowa State composts its leaves and redistributes the mulch across campus. The City of Ames also recommends residents shred their own leaves for use as mulch.