Trade In Your Gas-Powered Leaf Blower for $100 Voucher to go Electric

Published on April 26, 2024

Media Contact: David Wolbrecht
Communications Program Manager
dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 587-3021

We all want clean air and quiet neighborhoods. To support these goals, the City of Kirkland is currently phasing out the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Kirkland. Have a gas-powered leaf blower you’d like to trade in for a voucher to buy an electric? Swing by the North Kirkland Community Center (12421 103rd Ave NE) on Saturday, May 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vouchers up to $100 in value will be available on a first-come, first served basis and are redeemable at specific Kirkland businesses.

“This trade-in event is part of a larger electrification initiative called for in the City’s Sustainability Strategic Plan,” said Mayor Kelli Curtis. “Switching to electric leaf blowers will reduce emissions in Kirkland and protect the health of community members and landscape workers.  We sure hope folks will take advantage of this great opportunity.”

To be eligible for a trade-in voucher, residents must provide proof of residency in the form of a utility bill or identification and bring their gas-powered blower empty of oil and gas. Instructions on how to empty blowers of oil and gas are available on the City’s website at www.kirklandwa.gov/leafblowers.

Participants are asked to stay in their car and slowly drive through as directed by Kirkland staff.  Participants should keep the gas-powered leaf blower in the trunk of their car for easy removal by staff and volunteers.

This event is also an opportunity to recycle old, unwanted gas blowers.  Receiving a voucher towards an electric blower is optional.

The City Council authorized the creation of the Electric Leaf Blower Initiative in April 2023. This initiative outlines a three-year phase out of gas-powered hand-held and backpack leaf blowers in Kirkland. As part of the phase out, the City is transitioning all City departments to electric leaf blowers. The City is also working closely with businesses to support them through this transition.

For more information visit www.kirklandwa.gov/leafblowers.