Leaf the lake alone: Proper leaf disposal helps protect Lake of the Ozarks

Mulching, composting and approved leaf collection options keep yard waste out of the lake

Key Takeaways:

• Do not push, blow or dump leaves and yard waste into the lake.
• Mulch, compost or use an approved local collection or disposal option.
• Concentrated piles of decomposing leaves can affect oxygen levels, aquatic life and shoreline conditions.

LAKE OZARK, Mo. (Oct. 26, 2026) - Ameren Missouri is urging residents and property owners not to push, blow or dump fall leaves and yard waste into Lake of the Ozarks. Mulching, composting or using an approved disposal service can help protect water quality.

Leaves that fall naturally into the lake are part of its ecosystem. Problems can arise, however, when concentrated piles are intentionally pushed into the water. As that material decomposes, it can release nutrients, contribute to algae growth and use oxygen needed by fish and other aquatic life.

"When leaves are blown into a cove, they don't just disappear," said Bryan Vance, manager of shoreline management at Ameren Missouri. "As those leaves break down, they can affect water quality and create issues along the shoreline. Taking a few extra minutes to mulch, compost or properly dispose of leaves can make a real difference."

Ways to handle fall leaves:

• Mulch leaves. Run over leaves with a mower and use them around trees, shrubs and garden beds to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Start or add to a compost pile. Combine leaves with grass clippings and food scraps to create nutrient-rich compost.
• Bag and dispose of leaves properly. Check with local waste services, municipalities or landscaping companies for collection and composting options. If you hire a lawn service, ask how it disposes of collected leaves. Commercial landscaping and lawn care companies are prohibited from disposing of leaves and other yard waste in Missouri's public waters.
• Burn only where permitted. Follow local regulations, burn bans and safety precautions. Keep fires and ash away from the shoreline so residue cannot wash into the lake. Composting, mulching and proper disposal remain the preferred options.

Ameren Missouri encourages everyone who lives, works or spends time at the Lake to help care for this shared resource. The company also supports environmental stewardship through programs such as Adopt-the-Shoreline, which has helped remove more than 6.2 million pounds of trash from the lake.

For more information about leaf removal, vegetation management and other Lake updates, visit AmerenMissouri.com/Lake.

About Ameren Missouri
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.3 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers 60 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.