Announcements
Leaf Cleanup
The Street Division, under the direction of the Public Works Department, is charged with the responsibility of maintaining the streets and storm water systems throughout the City. The purpose of the leaf cleanup program is to remove leaves from the roadways and gutters so that they do not impede the flow of storm water, causing flooding or property damage. Therefore, major water ways and storm sewers are given first priority and receive as much attention as needed. Vacuum trucks and sweepers are used in this process.
Leaf cleanup typically begins around the first of October and continues until approximately the Thanksgiving Holiday, or as long as weather permits.
How it works:
The Street Division will vacuum up loose leaves that have been raked into a "windrow" along the edge of the gutter. Do not rake leaves or other debris into the gutter or canals. This blocks culverts and bridges during storm events that cause flooding. It is against city ordinance to block or restrict waterways.
Bags are best!
Whenever possible, please bag your leaves. Bagged leaves are easier to manage if a windstorm hits or we receive precipitation before we are able to complete leaf cleanup.
If you live in a cul-de-sac, please bag your leaves. Our vacuum trucks are too big to maneuver in cul-de-sacs.
Bagged leaves are picked up once all the loose leaves have been picked up and the gutters are clean. This is usually done at the end of November or the first part of December.
The Street Division asks for your cooperation in the following ways:
- Please do not include sticks or branches, grass clippings, garden waste, or flower bed mulching with leaves. They plug the vacuum tubes and damage the equipment.
- Park off the street as much as possible. Vehicles prohibit our equipment from reaching the leaves.
- Please do not rake leaves around the base of trees, telephone poles, fire hydrants, or power boxes in the park strip. The vacuum equipment is unable to pick up leaves around such fixtures.
- Please do not rake leaves to the edge of the roadway.
- If you have a curbside green waste container, it may be used to dispose of leaves. The week of November 12, 2012 will be the last curbside pickup of green waste containers. Please do not put leaves in your blue recycling can. Contact the Environmental Department for more information about what you can and cannot put in your green waste container and blue recycling can.
Leaves and other green waste are always accepted at the Landfill free of charge!
If you have any questions, call us at (435) 716-9642
