City officials say improper yard waste disposal is once again becoming a growing problem in St. James.

As the weather gets warmer, the city is urging residents to comply with local ordinances to help prevent damage to drainage systems and nearby properties.

Gum balls have caused issues in the city for years, and when residents place them in ditches, it only adds to infrastructure problems by damaging the city’s stormwater system. The spiky, dense balls easily accumulate in culverts, which restricts water flow and can lead to flooding.

“Not only does it mess with the stormwater systems, we also like to urge people to be courteous of their neighbors, because you may not have that issue — it may just wash on down the street from you — but what if the person next to you lives next to the creek and it all just piles up and then it backs up and gets into their yard?” said Code Enforcement Officer Samantha Gaddy.

Gum balls should not be placed in the street, either, because rain can wash them into drains where they back up and cause the same problem. They’re a safety hazard out in the road and make it harder for the street department to do its job.

Instead, place your gum balls on the backside of the curb, off the street. If your street doesn’t have a curb, place them on your side of the ditch, not in it. The street department picks up yard waste monthly, and placing it in the correct location ensures the process runs efficiently.

To request the street department come to collect yard waste that has been put out, call 573-265-8713. This is a free service and the department does its best to fulfill requests based on employee availability.

Another option for disposing of gum balls and other yard waste is to bring it to the drop-off site located at 325 E. Springfield St. This site is only for residential yard waste and should not be used for commercial purposes.

Residents can also burn their yard waste, but this must be done in accordance with city codes. No burning is allowed on any streets, curbs, or in ditches or drainage systems.

“We’ve had some of those where the asphalt, you can tell somebody burnt leaves there multiple times and it damages the road,” Gaddy said. “We’ve also had people catch culverts on fire, and they will melt the culverts. The culverts have a job, and it’s to get the storm water from point A to point B.”

Burns should be at least 25 feet away from any structures or vehicles and need to be attended at all times. Burning can take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Anyone choosing to burn yard waste is encouraged to contact the fire department at 573-265-5112 to check for burn bans and give notice before burning.

Residents should also be aware that grass, weeds and brush on their property should not exceed seven inches in height. 

Those who don’t comply with city ordinances may be referred to Code Enforcement, who can issue penalties and fines. 

Responsible management of yard waste is a community effort, and the city is requesting the cooperation of its residents for the betterment of the town.