Gas Powered Leaf Blower

The Aspen City Council banned the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in 2003 in response to numerous noise complaints and a citizen petition requesting a ban. Read the City's noise ordinance for more information. 

Aspen permits electric leaf blowers, which are cleaner, quieter, and lead to improved community health.  

I saw someone using a gas-powered leaf blower, what should I do?  

You may tell them that using a gas-powered leaf blower in Aspen is not allowed.

You may report the illegal use of gas-powered leaf blowers by contacting the Code Outreach and Compliance Specialist, uploading to Aspen 311 Connect, or by reaching out directly to the Environmental Health and Sustainability Department. To take action, we will need your contact information and any information regarding your observations, including photos. This information will be necessary if a citation is issued. The Code Outreach and Compliance Specialist performs regular patrols in Aspen to enforce the ban.  

City of Aspen contact:

Sarah Sandifer, Code Outreach and Compliance Specialist 

Sarah.sandifer@aspen.gov  

970-319-6950

Why is there a gas-powered leaf blower ban? 

Noise: Gas-powered leaf blowers can operate as loud as 100 decibels, which is considered ‘very loud’ and is the equivalent noise of a motorcycle or snowmobile. This high volume is dangerous to the operator and can cause hearing damage if the blower is used for extended periods.  

Health: Gas-powered leaf blowers use a two-stroke engine, where oil and gas is mixed, emitting a significant amount of harmful pollutants into the air. Exposure to these pollutants can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and respiratory disease. 

Emissions: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that gasoline-powered landscape maintenance equipment, including leaf blowers, accounts for a major portion of nonroad gasoline emissions. According to the California Air Resources Board, using a gas-powered leaf blower for one hour can emit the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions as driving a gas-powered car over 1000 miles or driving from Denver to Los Angeles.

Buying an electric leaf blower: 

Switching to an electric leaf blower may require some upfront planning. 

There are funding options and grants available to offset the costs of replacing your gas-powered leaf blowers and certain gas-powered lawn equipment with electric alternatives.  

Funding options:

There is a 30% discount on electric lawn equipment at participating retailers and manufacturers in Colorado until December 31, 2026. The discount comes from an income tax credit extended to the sellers of electric equipment through Senate Bill 23-016. The discount can be applied to: 

  • Electric lawnmowers
  • Leaf blowers
  • Trimmers
  • Snow blowers

Review the list of participating retailers and manufacturers. 

Grant opportunities:

Funds are available for commercial businesses looking to replace their gas-powered lawn and garden equipment through the Colorado Clean Diesel Program. The program requires the commercial business to recycle any gas-powered equipment to receive funding.  

How to choose an electric leaf blower:

When selecting an electric leaf blower, make sure to research the following factors:

  • Performance
  • Battery runtime
  • Warranty
  • Operating manual
  • Noise levels
  • Safety history, and
  • Whether they offer a battery recycling program.

Additionally, seek out references and peer reviews from friends, co-workers, or neighbors who own electric leaf blowers. If possible, test a blower from a retailer or borrow one before making a purchase. 


Electric Leaf Blower Gas-Powered Leaf Blower
Power
  • Electric battery power source
  • Comparable or even greater power outage than gas models
  • Gasoline power source
  • Generally, offer greater power outage than electric models
Noise
  • Quieter and create significantly less noise
  • Operate as loud as 100 decibels (equivalent to the noise level of a motorcycle or snow mobile)
Environment
  • No emissions (environmentally friendly) especially when charged on Aspen Electric's 100% renewable grid
  • Emit a significant amount of harmful pollutants into the air
  • Environmental contamination or spills are common when refueling. Fuel spills seep into soil and can enter groundwater and waterways.
Cost & Maintenance 
  • Higher upfront cost (rebates are available to offset costs) 
  • Cheaper over time because electricity is cheaper than gas
  • Requires less overall maintenance (no fuel, less parts, simple cleaning)
  • Generally, cost is less upfront 
  • More expensive over time due to the high cost of gas
  • Requires more maintenance, fuel, oil changes, and motor care
Operation
  • Generally, easier to start (corded or a button press)
  • Often weigh less (depends on the battery size)
  • Run time limited by battery (easier to extend with back-up batteries)
  • Less vibration
  • Can be a challenging start, especially in cold weather
  • Heavier due to the fuel tank and large motor
  • Run time limited by tank size, but more difficult to extend due to access to gasoline and oil
  • More vibration due to engine