“Run them over with the lawn mower. That’s an easy way to just mulch them up,” City Service Director Jim Mann said.
For those city residents who either have too many leaves to mow or want to bag them, the city’s pick ups are scheduled for Nov. 13 and Dec. 4.
Leaves must be in bags and trash cans or other containers won’t be picked up. The leaves can be in either plastic or paper bags and residents don’t need to purchase any specific bags.
Only leaves should be bagged up and not any other yard waste or brush. City residents who have other brush to dispose of can take it to C & S Tree Service, 2551 Dayton-Springfield Road, for free.
Bags can be set on the curb a few days ahead of time, Mann said, and should be out no later than 6 a.m. on the day of pick up.
The city will pay Waste Management $55,000 to collect the bagged leaves, which are then taken to Paygro in South Charleston and composted.
The pick up is only for city residents and doesn’t include commercial properties.
Last year Waste Management collected 954 cubic yards of leaves, down from 1,067 cubic yards two years ago.
Residents shouldn’t rake or blow leaves into the street.
The goal is to keep the leaves out of the city’s drains, catch basins and storm sewer.
“It can restrict the flow of rain water,” he said. “The gutters can get plugged up, it could plug up the catch basins and it could cause potential flooding.”
Other communities:
In Urbana work crews will pick up leaves beginning Monday, Nov. 1 and will continue through Dec. 3. The city is asking residents rake leaves to the curb or street edge. Only leaves will be picked up, so residents are asked to keep the leaves free of limbs or trash. Residents can call the city street department at (937) 652-4334.
About the Author