Zero-emission landscape equipment (ZELE) requirement begins July 1 in Menlo Park

Starting July 1, the City of Menlo Park will enforce a new ordinance requiring the use of zero emission (manual, electric or battery powered) landscaping equipment, starting with leaf blowers and string trimmers.

Operating a gas powered leaf blower for one hour is equal to inhaling 15 hours of emissions from driving. It can also contribute to hearing loss. On July 11, 2023 the City Council adopted a zero-emission landscape equipment (ZELE) requirement that prohibits using gas powered landscaping equipment due to its negative impacts on health, and noise and air pollution.

Remaining equipment (chain saws, lawnmowers and hedge trimmers) will be banned in January 2029. The California Air Resources Board has also tried to phase out gas powered landscaping equipment by requiring manufacturers to sell only zero emission landscaping equipment in California starting Jan. 1, 2024.

Learn more about zero-emission landscape equipment here.