Fall Leaf Coupon Program returns to Clark County

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From Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, Clark County Public Works and the City of Vancouver will hold its popular annual Fall Leaf Coupon Program. 

The program is intended to keep leaves off of streets to prevent the clogging of storm drains, which could cause localized flooding. Citizens are encouraged to bring leaves to designated dropoff sites listed on the coupon. Residents can bring up to 5 cubic yards of leaves to any of the sites and empty their bags free of charge.

The program, which has been around for over 20 years, has grown in popularity.

“The program seems to have been growing over time,” said Liz Erickson, solid waste analyst of Vancouver’s Department of Public Works. “I’m not sure if it’s because of population growth in the area, but year after year, there are more leaves being disposed of.”

Clark County Public Information Officer Loretta Callahan said developments throughout the county have also led to localized flooding because they include more hard surfaces and fewer pervious surfaces where rainwater can absorb into the ground.

“Providing ways to help the community manage excess fall leaves is another part of our overall solid waste and stormwater efforts, but an especially helpful and important one during the months leading into rainy falls and winters,” Callahan said. “Most importantly, managing leaves, whether through the free disposal coupon or through composting at home, is something we can all do to help our neighborhoods and communities, to prevent leaves from clogging drains and stormwater from pooling up in streets.”

Coupons must be filled out to be eligible for the free disposal of leaves. The name of an individual, not a business, must be written on the coupon to be considered valid. Some drop-off sites may have spare coupons on hand this year, but residents are strongly encouraged to print, clip or get coupons in advance, before making the trip to drop leaves off. Because of COVID-19 and evolving community health guidelines, the coupons are not available for pickup at public facilities this year. 

People can obtain a coupon online at the Clark County Green Neighbors website at clarkgreenneighbors.org, or on the City of Vancouver Solid Waste website at www.cityofvancouver.us/leafcoupon.



Coupons can also be clipped out of the Waste Connections’ Recycling newsletter, which will be sent to all residences in Clark County in October. Coupons are also available online at www.wcnorthwest.com/leaves.

To get a coupon sent by mail, call Vancouver Solid Waste at 360-487-7160 or email solidwaste@cityofvancouver.us. Participants are encouraged to plan ahead and allow for additional time before receiving the coupon through the mail. 

The coupons are also available in Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese.

Leaves can be dropped off at the sites listed below. Participants should call ahead to confirm hours and availability. When dropping off leaves, people are asked to wear a face covering, maintain physical distance and follow other posted public health guidance.

- H & H Wood Recyclers, 8401 NE 117th Ave., from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Monday through Saturday in October. In November to December, hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 360-892-2805. 

- McFarlane’s Bark, 8806 NE 117th Ave.,  from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays in October and November. The site is closed on Sundays in December. For more information, call 360-892-6125.

- Triangle Resources, 612 S.E. Union St., Camas, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 360-834-7253.

- West Van Materials Recovery Center, 6601 NW Old Lower River Road, from  6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The site is closed on Sundays. For more information, call 360-737-1727.