A Quieter, Cleaner Acton: Phasing out Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

Acton residents voted YES for a Leaf Blower Control bylaw (Article 32) at the May 2025 Town Meeting. Despite small but vocal opposition, and an amendment to delay implementation by one year, the bylaw was approved, 149–105.

So What Happens When?

• Beginning on January 1, 2026, the Town stopped purchasing or acquiring gas-powered leaf blowers, and will phase out the use of wheeled, four-stroke leaf blowers as soon as it is technologically and financially feasible to do so.
• The Town will provide information notifying the public and commercial landscapers about the health and safety effects of gas-powered leaf blowers, and inform them about the Leaf Blower Control Bylaw.
• Effective January 1, 2028, the use of gas-powered leaf blowers by all operators is prohibited, except during the spring clean-up period of March 15, 2028 to May 31, 2028 and the fall clean-up period of September 15, 2028 to December 31, 2028.
• Effective December 31, 2028, the use of gas-powered leaf blowers is prohibited by all operators at all times, including during spring and fall clean-up periods.

Note: This prohibition does not apply to Wheeled Four-Stroke Leaf Blowers, or to leaf blowing devices attached to a tractor or mower.

See more at the Quieter, Cleaner Acton website: QuieterCleanerActon.org