If you live in Oregon and log onto Craigslist these days, you’ll see that the platform has suddenly been flooded with users selling their leaf blowers. Don’t panic. And, for goodness’ sake, don’t be tempted to buy one at a bargain price if you live in Portland. The reason? The Portland City Council has just passed an ordinance to eliminate gasoline-powered leaf blowers. However, the regulation also affects purely electric devices, as we will explain below.
Portland wants quiet leaf blowers
Oregon’s largest city has grown tired of the shrill sound of leaf blowers. These devices, which are the usual soundtrack in American suburbs, have their days numbered in Portland. The City Council has passed an ordinance that sets a precedent on the West Coast. And many experts suggest that it could end up being replicated in other areas of the country.
The main reason for this ban on leaf blowers is noise. Two-stroke gasoline-powered machines are extremely loud. Numerous studies indicate that this noise disturbs sleep and prevents neighborhoods from getting proper rest. This is especially concerning in the fall, when it is common for several hours in a row to pass with different neighbors using these machines without any intervals of silence.
Air toxicity, the invisible villain
In addition to the noise problem, gasoline-powered leaf blowers have an added problem. Before the ordinance was passed, various studies were also presented on air quality and how these machines cause great harm to society.
As we mentioned, these machines, especially older ones, run on two-stroke engines instead of four-stroke engines. They are easily recognizable by their sound and because, in order to use them, oil and fuel must be mixed directly in the tank. These machines have a more inefficient and incomplete combustion, which releases various toxins into the air we breathe.
Specifically, we are talking about pollutants such as benzene, butadiene, and various types of formaldehydes. All of these are, of course, carcinogenic. In addition, both gasoline and electric blowers raise clouds of fine particles (PM2.5). These small particles are also very dangerous, as they can end up in our lungs and trigger numerous respiratory diseases such as asthma or COPD.
The measure, incidentally, has been designed to protect gardening workers in particular. The city council believes that workers who perform gardening tasks are exposed to excessive noise for too many hours a day, while also breathing in harmful particles. The aim of banning gasoline-powered blowers is to ensure that lower-income workers are not so exposed during their long working hours.
A measure that will come into effect in stages
If you regularly use a combustion engine leaf blower, you should be aware that sooner or later you will have to purchase an electric motor device to use in Portland. However, this measure will come into effect in stages, as explained below.
- From January 1, 2026, gasoline-powered leaf blowers will be banned for most of the year. That is, during spring and summer. There will be a temporary exception. You will be able to use it during the wet leaf season, from October 1 to December 31, 2026.
- Throughout 2027, the regulations will apply in the same way. However, during this year, you will need to consider purchasing an electric blower.
- The definitive ban on combustion engine leaf blowers will begin on January 1, 2028. There will be no seasonal exceptions.
In case of non-compliance, please note that the fine will be imposed on the property owner, not on the gardener or contractor. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure that you hire professionals who comply with the regulations:
- The first offense will simply be notified in writing. No fine will be imposed.
- The second offense will result in a $250 fine.
- The third offense will result in a $500 fine.
- The fourth and subsequent offenses will result in fines of $1,000 each.
The new regulations on electric blowers
At this point, it is worth remembering once again that the regulations seek an ecological transition towards less polluting machines. However, electric blowers are subject to city noise regulations (Code 18.10.035).
This means that there are restrictions on when they can be used, as follows:
- Residential areas: they can be used between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Commercial areas/other areas: they can be used between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.