The Electric Leaf Blower Initiative

Leaf Blower

Kirkland City Council adopted Resolution R-5585 on April 18, 2023. This resolution authorizes the creation of the Electric Leaf Blower Initiative and outlines a three-year phased approach to sunset gas-powered hand-held and backpack leaf blowers in Kirkland.  

The Electric Leaf Blower Initiative has five goals:  

  1. Sunset the use of gas-powered hand-held and backpack leaf blowers in Kirkland by a target date of December 31, 2025
  2. Reduce negative health impacts caused by gas emissions
  3. Ensure a responsive transition to electric leaf blowers that reduces the burden and maximizes the potential benefit to Kirkland landscaping businesses and residents
  4. Be proactive in anticipation of potential State decisions to sunset gas-powered equipment 
  5. Develop mechanisms to effectively improve enforcement of existing City noise regulations (KMC 11.84A.070 and KZC 115.95) on all uses of gas- and electric-powered landscaping equipment to provide relief to residents prior to conversion or technological improvements

Last year, the City of Kirkland hosted a hands on demonstration of both gas-powered and electric leaf blower equipment for regional elected officials, State and Federal delegation members, and staff. City of Kirkland staff are also preparing a community and business engagement plan for this year, including a gas-powered leaf blower trade in event. More details below. 

Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Trade in Event - May 4th, 2024

The City of Kirkland is currently phasing out the use of gas-powered leaf blowers and hosting a trade-in event to help the community dispose of their gas-powered leaf blowers in exchange for a new electric blower. Make the switch now and receive a new electric leaf blower!

Participants will receive a voucher valued at $100 – redeemable at select local stores to be used toward the purchase of a new electric leaf blower. 

Participating businesses include:

· Pacific Nail and Staple - 11332 120th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033

· Westlake Ace Hardware - 6613 132nd Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033

· Fred Meyer Kirkland - 12221 120th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034

 

Why make the switch?

  • Keep unhealthy noxious fumes out of the community
  • Promote quieter neighborhoods
  • Reduce environmental impacts of gas emissions

To be eligible for a voucher, you must:

  1. Bring your gas blower empty of oil and gas. Please drain your leaf blower before the event.
  2. Provide proof of Kirkland residency in the form of a utility bill or identification

Where: The North Kirkland Community Center north parking lot.

Please stay in your car and slowly drive through as directed by Kirkland staff. Keep your gas-powered leaf blower in the trunk of your car for easy removal by staff and volunteers. Vouchers are available on a first-come, first served basis.

When: May 4th 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Don’t miss this opportunity to upgrade your leaf blowing equipment!

Who qualifies to participate?

All Kirkland residents can participate in the trade-in. The voucher is intended for use by Kirkland residential leaf blower users, not commercial users. A separate rebate program for landscaping businesses to transition their commercial-grade gas-powered leaf blowers is currently being developed. However, businesses are free to drop off any commercial grade gas powered blowers that they would like to dispose of.

Do I have to pay?

No, turning in your gas-powered leaf blower is completely free!

Where can I redeem the voucher?

We are partnering with several local retailers who will accept vouchers. More details to come soon.

How do I drain the oil and gas from my leaf blower?

1. Find a Well-Ventilated Area: Start by locating a well-ventilated outdoor area to work on your leaf blower. This will help prevent the buildup of potentially harmful fumes during the fuel-draining process.

2. Allow the Engine to Cool: If the leaf blower has been in use, allow it to cool down completely before proceeding. This prevents the risk of accidental burns or fuel spillage due to hot engine components.

3. Locate the Fuel Tank: Identify the fuel tank on your leaf blower. Depending on the model, it may be located near the top or back of the blower. Once located, prepare to empty its contents.

4. Use a Fuel Container: Prepare a suitable fuel container to collect the drained fuel. A clean, approved fuel container is recommended for this purpose. It’s important to use a container specifically designed for fuel storage to ensure safe handling and disposal.

5. Remove the Fuel Cap: Carefully unscrew the fuel cap from the tank to access the fuel. Be cautious to prevent any spillage during this step.

6. Drain the Fuel: Tilt the leaf blower carefully to pour the fuel from the tank into the designated fuel container. Take your time to ensure that as much fuel as possible is removed from the tank. It’s crucial to avoid spillage and minimize environmental impact. Use a funnel to drain the gasoline.

7. Secure the Fuel Container: Once the fuel is drained, securely fasten the cap on the fuel container to prevent any leaks or spills. Ensure that the container is labeled appropriately for future identification.

8. Follow the Same Process for the Oil: Wipe away debris from the oil fill plug and remove the plug. Tip the leaf blower and drain the oil into a used-oil container. Clean up any oil residue or spills. DO NOT MIX THE OIL WITH THE GASOLINE

What should I do with the drained fluid from my gas-powered leaf blower?

O’Reilly Auto Parts offers free oil recycling.

If you live in King County, you can take your oil and gas to any of the collection sites below and there is no fee to drop off your household hazardous waste at a collection site.

Hazardous Waste Collection Sites:

  • North Seattle Household Hazardous Waste Facility: Sunday – Tuesday
  • Factoria Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Service: Tuesday – Friday, Saturday and Sunday
  • South Seattle Household Hazardous Waste Facility: Thursday – Saturday
  • Auburn Wastemobile: Saturday – Sunday
  • Traveling Wastemobile: Seasonal February – October
    • At Northwest University in Kirkland May 10th, 11th, 12th

Visit www.kingcountyhazwastewa.gov for more information.

Who can I contact with questions?

Diana Hart, Government Affairs Manager at Dhart@kirklandwa.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the City doing about leaf blowers? 

Research shows that the emissions from operating gas-powered leaf blowers produce negative environmental impacts in addition to adverse health impacts on operators. The City of Kirkland is in the beginning stages of implementing an electric leaf blower initiative to transition all hand-held and backpack gas powered leaf blowers within the City to electric. 

When are electric leaf blowers being banned? 

The Electric Leaf Blower Initiative Resolution sets a target date to sunset the use of gas-powered handheld and backpack leaf blowers in Kirkland of December 31st, 2025.  An Ordinance will be brought forward to the Kirkland City Council for consideration in 2025 to finalize any details of how the City would sunset gas-powered handheld and backpack leaf blowers in Kirkland. 

Why ban gas-powered leaf blowers but not other gas-powered equipment? 

Reducing or eliminating gas-powered landscaping equipment for City operations is identified as action SG-1.10 and further supported by actions ES-1.1 and ES-1.2 in the City’s Sustainability Master Plan (SMP). These actions, combined with the high volume of leaf blower noise complaints received since 2020, is why the City is focusing this initiative on leaf blowers. As part of the City’s internal pilot of electric leaf blowing equipment, the City is also acquiring and exploring the use of other electric landscaping equipment. Further, and in accordance with other actions identified in the City’s SMP, the City is actively electrifying the City’s fleet of vehicles and deploying initiatives to support homeowners transition from natural gas to electric heating sources through the Energy Smart Eastside Heat Pump Program.

What is the City doing about noise pollution? 

Since 2020, the City has received a high volume of noise complaints about leaf blowers. Responding to these complaints was a key factor prompting the exploration of an electric leaf blower transition. While initial research shows that current electric leaf blower models produce similar noise levels to gas powered leaf blowers, electric motors have more potential to reduce noise pollution and electric leaf blower technology is anticipated to improve in the coming years. 

What does this mean for the community? 

This initiative will reduce emissions in Kirkland and protect the health of community members. To support resident’s transition to electric leaf blowers, the city will employ a financial incentive program to encourage adoption of electric equipment and to support community members that may experience economic constraints in making the transition. 

How will the ban affect local landscaping businesses?  

This initiative will impact landscaping businesses who are often small operations owned by culturally diverse members of the community and who are also disproportionately exposed to emissions at a higher rate than other community members. In 2023 the City Manager hosted a focus group with Kirkland landscaping businesses to learn what impacts a transition to all electric equipment would have and how to work together to make this initiative a success. To reduce the burden on these businesses, the City plans to provide financial incentives to support their transition to commercial-grade electric equipment. 

What resources does the City have? 

The Kirkland City Council included $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act Funds in the adopted 2023-2024 budget to support the transition of the City's equipment to all electric leaf blowers and incentives for private sector and resident conversion. 

What stage is the City’s pilot program in? 

The City’s pilots program evaluates, develops, and begins implementing a transition plan for the City's equipment with the goal of making data informed recommendations. Currently, the city is working with the Parks and Public Works departments to test purchased electric leaf blowers and to collect data on crew’s gas and electric leaf blower usage throughout the summer, fall, winter, and spring seasons. The City is also currently performing cost analyses to estimate the current and projected expenses of the transition. 

What leaf blower related equipment is the City testing as part of their pilot?

The City is currently piloting handheld leaf blower equipment from Milwaukee and Stihl as well backpack leaf blower equipment from Stihl, Ego, Husqvarna (550i BTX), Makita (CBU02), Ryobi (40v HP Whisper), and Toro.

           

 

Contact Information

Diana Hart
Government Affairs Manager
Dhart@kirklandwa.gov

Related Information

Resolution R-5585(PDF, 1MB)

April 4, 2023 City Council Packet Materials(PDF, 908KB)

April 18, 2023 City Council Packet Materials(PDF, 816KB)

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