Fertilizer Regulations - It's the Law

Zero Phosphorous Law for Lawn Fertilizers -- MN  Lakes Association Press Release, May 4, 2005
The new statewide Minnesota law, prohibiting the use of phosphorous lawn fertilizers, went into effect January 1, 2005.  Minnesota law bans the use of phosphorus fertilizer, because phosphorous is the nutrient turning Minnesota's lakes and streams green with algae.

When shopping for your lawn and landscaping supplies purchase fertilizers that contain zero phosphorous, and only buy brands that have clearly indicated a middle number of zero (X-O-X) on the packaging.  This simple action will help protect Minnesota's lakes and streams from increasing algae blooms, excessive weed growth and deteriorating water quality.

The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (MOEA) offers the following suggestions for unwanted fertilizer containing phosphorous: use it in your compost bin or yard waste compost pile; you can also use the fertilizer carefully on your garden and shrubbery; however, if the fertilizer contains pesticides and herbicides DO NOT use it in the compost pile-take these fertilizers to your nearest household hazardous waste collection site.

For more information on the new statewide phosphorous-free lawn fertilizer law please contact the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance at 1-800-877-6300.

The Minnesota Lakes Association, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to the protection and preservation of Minnesota's lakes, reminds Minnesota citizens that aside from using phosphorous-free lawn fertilizers homeowners can take a variety of additional measures, in order to reduce the stormwater runoff reaching Minnesota's lakes and streams. Rake and sweep all lawn clippings, leaves and other yard debris into an enclosed yard compost bin or dispose of them at city composting piles.  These are all sources of phosphorous and can quickly make their way to nearby water bodies if left in yards, on curbs, or in ditches.  Pick up and properly dispose of all pet waste, because this can be a harmful source of bacteria in lakes and streams.  And cover or protect any exposed soil in your yard, because spring rains quickly wash away any loose soil, resulting in cloudy sediment-filled waters.  If we all do our part Minnesota lakes and streams will have cleaner and clearer waters this summer!