Electric Leaf Blower Program

The Town of Atherton is offering a $250 rebate for residents who purchase an electric leaf blower and any associated batteries and chargers.

Why Electric Leaf Blowers

Electric leaf blowers have many advantages over gas-powered equipment, including:

Quiet: Electric leaf blowers produce much less noise than gas-powered ones, which can reach up to 100 decibels and cause hearing damage, stress, and neighborhood disturbance.
Clean: Electric leaf blowers emit zero emissions, unlike gas-powered ones, which release harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants can worsen air quality, climate change, and respiratory problems.
Convenient: Electric leaf blowers are lighter, more compact, and more convenient than gas-powered ones. You don't have to worry about refilling gas tanks, changing oil filters, or maintaining engines. You just need to charge the battery and go.

How to Get the Rebate?

1. Purchase an electric leaf blower and any associated battery and charger from any retailer. You can choose any brand or model that suits your needs and budget.

2. Fill out the rebate application form online or download a printable version You will need to provide proof of purchase and residency in Atherton.

Proof of purchase: A copy of your receipt – if the total cost is less than $250, you will be reimbursed for the equipment.
Proof of residency: A copy of a photo identification with Atherton address by email or you may come in and show your ID card during business hours (Monday through Friday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Copies of IDs will not be retained and will only be used to verify Atherton addresses.

3. Submit the filled-out application form and the supporting documents by filling out an electronic form or by dropping off or mailing the printed application to:

Town of Atherton

Attention: Sustainability

80 Fair Oaks Lane

Atherton, CA 94027

Act Now!

This rebate program is available until funds are exhausted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Households are permitted one rebate per fiscal year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025).

Take advantage of this opportunity to switch to a cleaner, quieter, and easier yard maintenance. Apply for the rebate today and enjoy the benefits of your new electric leaf blower!

Town of Atherton Leaf Blower Regulations

The Town of Atherton Municipal Code Chapter 8.16 Noise Control regulates using leaf blowers to minimize noise and air pollution. View the current code here: https://atherton.municipal.codes/Code/8.16.050.

Starting July 1, 2024, the Town of Atherton's Municipal Code Chapter 8.16 will be amended to ban gas leaf blowers. This aligns with the State’s legislation to ban the sale of gas-powered small off-road equipment. For background on the Council's decision, please see the Staff Report from the April 19, 2023, City Council here.

Additional Resources

California offers a separate program to help landscapers and small businesses with this change. Visit the CORE program website for information for landscapers and other professionals: https://californiacore.org/

If you would like more information and training on electric landscaping tools, you can watch the recording of a workshop held in the Town in partnership with the American Green Zone Alliance here.