City of Cambridge Announces Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers to Protect Health and Environment

The City of Cambridge is taking another step toward reducing noise and air pollution by officially prohibiting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers and requiring all users to transition to electric or battery-powered leaf blowers. This initiative aligns with the city’s commitment to protecting public health and reducing harmful emissions.

Under the updated Leaf Blower Ordinance passed by the Cambridge City Council in December 2023, property owners will no longer be allowed to use gas-powered leaf blowers on their own property after March 15, 2025.

This transition will reduce the negative effects of gas-powered leaf blowers, including:

• Noise Pollution: Gas leaf blowers generate excessive noise at high-decibel levels that can be damaging to both humans and wildlife.

• Air Pollution: The combustion of petroleum-based fuels releases harmful emissions that contribute to poor air quality and climate change. One hour of using a gas-powered leaf blower can emit as much pollution as driving a modern car for 1,100 miles, according to a 2021 report by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

• Harm to Wildlife, Soil, and Plants: Gas-powered leaf blowers can disrupt birds and pollinators while the strong airflow can blow away topsoil, nutrients, and mulch, making it harder for plants to grow.

Commercial leaf blower operators, multi-parcel owners (adjoining parcels of land owned by the same owner and totaling two or more acres), city employees, and city contractors will be allowed to continue using gas-powered leaf blowers until March 15, 2026, providing additional time to transition to the more sustainable alternatives.

Per City Ordinance, the use of leaf blowers continue to be limited to March 15 to June 15 and September 15 to December 31 each year. During these periods, leaf blowers can only be used (a) Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and (b) on Saturdays, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. They are not allowed at any other times, including Sundays and legal holidays except for Veteran’s and Indigenous Peoples’ Day when they are allowed during certain hours as detailed in the Ordinance.

Before purchasing or using a leaf blower in the city, ensure it is electric or battery-powered and complies with the sound emission levels outlined in the Ordinance

For more information on the updated ordinance, please visit: CambridgeMA.gov/leafblowerordinance