In October 2021, Charleston City Council passed a resolution to lead by example and transition our gas-powered City leaf blowers (about 90) to alternative options, such as electric blowers or rakes and brooms, by summer 2023.
Leaf Blower Resolution
- The City commits to eliminating all gasoline-powered leaf blowers currently used by the City. City Departments are directed to prioritize this transition in their budgets so that by July 1, 2023, the City will no longer be using gasoline-powered leaf blowers, but a more energy efficient and quieter alternative.
- The City will provide businesses and residents education about alternatives to gasoline-powered leaf blowers. During this time, the City will also continue to research, and when feasible, implement resource sharing opportunities and buy-back programs to help facilitate residents and businesses in upgrading their equipment. The City will create a new webpage to house all this information.
- The City encourages and challenges all businesses and residents who use gasoline-powered leaf blowers to explore and consider the alternative options available.
- City staff is further instructed to monitor the City’s transition away from gasoline-powered leaf blowers, as well as how private businesses and residents transition, such as through surveys, education or incentive programs to the best of the staff’s abilities. Staff, one year from the signing of this Resolution, shall then provide an update along with any additional recommendations to the Resiliency and Sustainability Advisory Committee.
- The City reminds all operators of leaf blowers to not allow any leaves, dirt or other debris blown to enter the storm drain system. All leaves, dirt or any other debris blown on the public right-of-way must be cleaned up and removed properly per City Code Section 27-42.
View the full resolution here.