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II �J I, IL �.7 �I �JI ,�I•� ■ �7 � <br /> EUGEIIE/ m i ■ tr Al !+r f• f7 ■ iI/ I <br /> _� iii� ��S�,��L � — <br /> rimmiiiiiimmi <br /> October 27, 2003 <br /> CONTACT: Tony Jobanek, Leaf Program Coordinator, 682-4835 <br /> Therese Picado, Public Information Specialist, 682-4814 <br /> TWO-PAGE FAX FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> Eugene's Fall Leaf Program Begins November 3 <br /> Eugene's annual leaf program begins November 3. The Public Works program, which <br /> has been available to Eugene citizens since the late 1960s, offers residents a variety of options <br /> for dealing with fall leaf accumulations. <br /> The program originally was implemented to prevent street flooding caused by clogged <br /> gutters and catch basins. Keeping leaves out of the stormwater drainage system also improves <br /> water quality because decomposing leaves use up oxygen that is needed by aquatic life in local <br /> streams and rivers. <br /> While the program continues to offer traditional leaf pickup service, it also encourages <br /> residents to consider reusing and recycling their leaves. The leaves collected by the City are <br /> reused by delivering them upon request to residents and to the City's community gardens and <br /> community groups such as Food for Lane County. Leaves that aren't delivered are recycled as <br /> compost material. None of the leaves collected by the City are taken to public landfills. <br /> Residents can reuse leaves as mulch or compost material for home gardens or <br /> landscaped areas. They can conveniently recycle leaves using their yard debris container or by <br /> taking them to a commercial recycler such as Rexius or Lane Forest Products. If, as a last <br /> resort, residents place leaves in the streets for pickup, they are asked to follow certain rules: <br /> Don't block sidewalks, bicycle lanes or traffic lanes with leaf piles. If residents are <br /> unable to pile leaves without blocking a sidewalk, bike lane or traffic lane, leaves should be <br /> bagged and placed at the curb (please call 682-4800 if you place your leaves in bags), or <br /> placed on a side street, or taken to a recycling center. <br /> Pile leaves at least 15 feet from parked cars so collection equipment has easy access. <br /> Keep leaves at least a foot from the curb to avoid clogging gutters and storm drains. <br /> Make sure leaf piles are free of branches, pine needles and other yard debris so they <br /> can be delivered to people who want leaves for their gardens. <br /> Wait to put leaves in the street until the weekend prior to collection. <br /> (More) <br /> Public Works•Administration •City of Eugene•858 Pearl Street•Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> Phone: (541) 682-5262 • FAX: (541) 682-6826• www.ci.eugene.or.us <br />