Doesn't look like much does it? When I first gathered last autumn's leaves together, the pile was much larger. At the time they were tough and loose and didn't seem they would do me much good in a hurry. So I kept them moist, turned them now and then and waited. Now the pile is an almost black mass that falls apart at the touch. I'm still learning about its uses. One is to continue layering it in my compost piles. Another is using it as a mulch. Mulch conserves moisture in the soil, making it possible to water plants less often and also keeps the soil from getting packed down when watering.
These activities respect nature. Instead of throwing it all away in the dumpster, they can be utilized. Collected grass clippings can be used as a mulch also.
It's good for acid loving plants such as roses.
