Among the worst waste offenders in the fall months are homeowners who rake up fallen leaves, bag them and dispose of them with their regular trash. Not only is this illegal in some communities, it's also unnecessary. Instead, run your lawn mower over the leaves to help chop them up. The smaller the dead leaves, the more quickly they'll break down and degrade. You can also use raked leaves as mulch; spread them around the base of trees and bushes to help insulate them and prevent weed growth in the spring.
ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION