Lawn Care and Street Safety: A Seasonal Note from Elkins’ Operations Team
Updated April 17, 2026.
We all have noticed how quickly Elkins shifted from winter to summer-like weather. With that rapid change in seasons comes the return of regular lawn mowing and the common but avoidable challenge of grass clippings ending up in city streets.
While they may seem harmless, grass clippings on pavement will reduce tire traction, particularly during morning dew or after rainfall. For motorcycles and bicycles, even a thin layer of clippings can increase stopping distance or cause a wheel to slide. To that end, the City of Elkins encourages all residents to treat clippings like any other street debris—something to be removed, not ignored.
Our wastewater system faces risks, too. When grass clippings wash into storm drains, they can add excess organic material that must be filtered or treated—adding strain to this system. While Elkins conducts regular street sweeping, sweeping cannot remove 100% of material from every curb line. Resident cooperation absolutely makes a meaningful difference.
Here’s what residents can do:
- Do your best to mow so that clippings discharge onto the lawn, not the street.
- Please sweep the pavement in front of your home after mowing.
- If possible, collect clippings for yard waste disposal.
The City of Elkins thanks residents for taking a few extra minutes after each mow. Small actions add up to safer streets and a more efficient wastewater system for everyone in Elkins.
City Hall News: Week of September 13, 2026
Two council committees meet Monday, and Elkins City Council meets Thursday. September bulk pickup begins Monday, and utility and in-city Fire & Rescue Fee bills are due September 20. The Municipal Properties Committee meets Monday at 11 a.m. at the Phil Gainer […]
Read More
Council Adopts Updated Comprehensive Plan
Elkins City Council adopted an updated comprehensive plan Thursday, September 3. The vote completed a planning and public-review process that began in 2023. The plan updates the city’s 2015 comprehensive plan. It reviews progress made since that plan was adopted and identifies […]
Read More
ELKINS POLICE RECRUITING FOR OCTOBER 17 TESTING
INCENTIVES UP TO $20,000 The City of Elkins Police Department is accepting applications from both certified and non-certified candidates for its next Police Civil Service testing on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The testing process will include a physical fitness test, written test, […]
Read More
Elkins Mayor Jerry A. Marco Sworn In as President of West Virginia Municipal League
ELKINS, W.Va. — Aug. 7, 2026 — Elkins Mayor Jerry A. Marco was sworn in as president of the West Virginia Municipal League (WVML) for the 2026–2027 term during an Aug. 6 ceremony in Charleston. Outgoing president and Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin […]
Read More
Work for Elkins Wastewater Dept. as a Technician, a Career AI Can’t Replace
ELKINS, W.Va. — Aug. 4, 2026 — The City of Elkins Wastewater Department is searching for a Wastewater Collection Technician I, II or III. This is a full-time position with benefits and will remain open until the position is filled. Final placement […]
Read More
EFD Accepting Applications for Entry-Level Firefighters Through Aug. 21
ELKINS, W.Va. — Aug. 3, 2026 — The Elkins Fire Department (EFD) is seeking candidates for entry-level appointment to the ranks of paid, civil-service firefighters. Although there are currently no immediate openings, the department is accepting applications from Monday, Aug. 3, through […]
Read More