Valparaiso’s fleet of leaf vacuum crews is geared up and will begin picking up leaves Oct. 24. “Leaf trucks will be out daily, working to clear the city. Because neighborhoods vary in leaf production, it’s impossible to commit to a specific pick-up day for each neighborhood, however we will work to rotate throughout the entire city as frequently as possible,” said Matt Evans, Public Works Director. Leaf pick up will extend into November, with the final date being determined based on weather and leaf volume.
Residents can help improve efficiency by keeping non-leaf items out of their leaf piles as debris can damage equipment and lead to downtime for repairs. Please note that after the leaf season ends, leaves must be bagged (in biodegradable bags) for pick up. There will also be a spring leaf collection which will run from April 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017.
In Your Neighborhood When it comes to leaves, remember:
- Crews begin at 7:00 a.m. and continue until dark, if necessary.
- Leave your leaves near the curb in the right-of-way (between the sidewalk and curb) – off the street - for pick up. Leaves cannot be picked up in alleys.
- Leaves should be the only thing in the pile – no sticks, bricks, boards or other items. Public Works cannot pick up mixed piles with brush and leaves together until separated by the resident. Public Works does not pick up any debris from contractors, regardless of the time of year.
- Additional items should be placed off the street, near the curb.
- Please park cars away from your leaf pile so that we can get close enough to remove all of your leaves.
- Although it’s preferable to leave leaves unbagged and uncovered, leaves may be placed in biodegradable bags (NO plastic) or covered with a tarp at the curb to prevent them from blowing.
- Please bag any leaves remaining after the leaf pick-up season ends.
- For more information about leaf pick up, or other services of Public Works, visit the city’s web site at www.valpo.us.