Eugene's 2008 Leaf Program Begins November 3

New Search

~ ~ T ~ Tom- ~ T ' Tom. November 3, 2008 CONTACT: Damon Joyner, Public Works Surface Maintenance Supervisor, 541-682-4835 'i From. Public Information Section, 682-5523 or 954-2938 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE i Eugene's 2008 Leaf Program Begins November 3 j Eugene's annual leaf program begins Monday, November 3. This year the Eugene Public Works Department is encouraging residents to find good uses for leaves and to take special care if they pile leaves in the street. ~ Leaves are a valuable natural resource, and residents should first consider using leaves as compost or mulch rather than piling them in the street. Leaf disposal continues to be a popular option, however, and each year, the Public Works Department collects more than 15,000 cubic yards of leaves. in an effort to keep leaves from plugging the storm drainage system and degrading water quality inlocal streams. With that volume of material on city streets, it's important that residents follow these important leaf disposal tips: • Wait to put leaves in the street until the weekend before the scheduled pickup date. Leaves placed in the street too early tend to blow around or get washed into storm drains. • Avoid putting leaves in bike lanes. If leaves are deposited in a bike lane, place them in i narrow rows so they do not block the flow of water, and leave at least half the bike lane clear. • Place leaves so they do not obstruct the flow of traffic. Piles that even partially block a ' traffic lane can cause motorists to swerve into oncoming traffic. • Leave at least 15 feet between leaf piles and parked cars. • Remove leaves from sidewalks. Wet, slippery leaves are a hazard to pedestrians. • Pile leaves well away from catch basins. If a catch basin does plug, scrape the leaves away from the grate. • Keep leaf piles clean. Don't mix leaves with branches, rocks, or lawn clippings because that makes it difficult to reuse the leaves for mulch or compost. Eugene Public Works Maintenance crews follow a regular collection schedule. Improved streets with storm drainage systems receive first priority for leaf removal. Here's Eugene's 2008 leaf collection schedule: Round 1 Round 2 West Eugene - Nov. 3 to Nov. 7 West Eugene -Dec. 22 to Dec. 26 Central Eugene -Nov. 10 to Nov. 14 Central Eugene -Dec. 29 to Jan. 6 North Eu n - - ge a Nov. 17 to Nov. 26 North Eugene Jan. 5 to Jan. 16 Southeast Eugene - Dec. 1 to Dec. 12 Southeast Eugene -Jan. 19 to Jan. 23 Southwest Eugene -Dec. 15 to Dec 19 Southwest Eugene -Jan. 26 to -Jan. 30 For more information, call Eugene's leaf program hotline at 682-5383, or visit the web at www.eugene-or.gov/leaf. To report plugged drains or flooding problems, call Eugene Public Works Maintenance at 682-4800. Leaf delivery forms are available on the web, at local community centers, or by calling 682-4800. Public Works • Administration + City of Eugene • 858 Pearl Street • Eugene; OR 97401 Phone: (541) 68~-5262 • FAX: (541 } 682=6826 • www:ci.eugene.or.;us