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