Now that winter has loosened its grasp on Valparaiso, the city’s Public Works Department has switched to spring cleanup mode as brush removal has resumed. To maximize safety and efficiency, the Public Works Department asks the following:
Do not mix trash and household construction waste with brush or leaves.
Leaves must be bagged at this time of the year, using brown paper yard waste bags. Leaf vacuums won’t return until fall.
Please cut brush into pieces no larger than 4 feet in length.
Bag loose dirt or potting soil to prevent infiltration into storm sewers.
Remember, the city will not pick up contractor generated yard and construction waste.
“We realize that residents are eager to get outdoors and work in their yards. We’re just as eager to switch from snow removal to spring mode,” said Matt Evans, Public Works Director. “We are also working systematically to assess roadways and fill potholes caused by the winter weather,” he said.
There is no need for residents to call Public Works to schedule a pick up for bagged leaves or piles of brush. As a reminder, grass clippings should NEVER be placed at the curb – neither in the trash nor in bags. Valparaiso residents with city trash service will be permitted to dispose of grass clippings at the Valparaiso compost facility located at 2150 W. Lincolnway (Hwy 130, 1 mile west of the intersection at Joliet Road) until further notice. The facility is currently open to all Porter County residents on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and opens for the season on Mar. 30. Regular season hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit the city’s website at Valpo.us and look under the “Departments” heading for Public Works.