Leaves Starting to Fall - Leaf Collection Programs Starting to Pick Up

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Residents are encouraged to reuse and recycle leaves before placing them in the street for pick up. Leaves can be used as mulch or compost material for home gardens or landscaped areas, and can be recycled by placing them in your yard debris container, or by taking them to a commercial recycler. "Our program emphasizes the value of recycling leaves by delivering them to residents, community gardens, community groups such as Food for Lane County and commercial recyclers, who use them as mulch or compost," said Tony Jobanek, Eugene's leaf program coordinator. "Leaves that aren't delivered are recycled as compost material." If residents choose to pile leaves in the street, they should hold their leaves until the weekend prior to collection in their area. Pile leaves at least 15 feet away from parked cars so staff can easily pick up the piles, and place leaves at least a foot from the curb to avoid clogging storm drains. To ensure that the leaves can be used effectively as compost, leaf piles need to be free of branches and other yard debris. Leaf piles must not block bike or traffic lanes. To request leaf delivery, call 682-4800. Forms are also available at community centers, the library, or on the Web at www.eu ene-or. ovg /PW (click on the leaf link). For more information about the leaf program, call the City of Eugene's Leaf Hotline at 682-5383. LANE COUNTY Lane County Public Works will provide its free leaf pick-up service beginning Monday, Nov. 6 on Lane County-maintained roads with storm drainage systems in the unincorporated River Road/Santa Clara and Springfield areas. The program will make two complete trips through each area. Leaf pick-up begins with the River Road/Santa Clara area covered the first week. The program starts with the north side of Maxwell Road between River Road and Northwest Expressway and moves north to West Beacon Drive, covering the area between River Road and Northwest Expressway. Crews will then switch to the east side of River Road starting at East Beacon Drive and continue south to Division Avenue covering the area between River Road and the Willamette. Public Works crews will start in City of Springfield, the following Monday, Nov. 13, weather permitting. "This free program is really a benefit to residents who want leaves removed. It also helps Public Works as we are able to remove leaves that could potentially clog local storm drainage systems, creating the potential for localized flooding," said John Petsch, Public Works road maintenance planner. Unless an immediate hazard exists, Public Works Maintenance crews will follow a Public Works • Administration • City of Eugene • 858 Pearl Street • Eugene, OR 97401 Phone: (541) 682-5262 • FAX: (541) 682-6826 • www.ci.eugene.or.us