The City of Valparaiso will begin its annual curbside leaf pick-ups October 27 through December 5, weather permitting, announced Mayor Jon Costas. The City has four leaf collection zones and crews will rotate through them continuously.
City Services collects an average of 11,000 cubic yards of leaves annually, composting them at the City's compost facility. The process of leaf collection is directly affected by environmental factors such as rain, wind, temperatures, which then affect the rate and pattern at which the leaves fall, making every leaf season different. A gradual loss of leaves is operationally desirable as it allows crews to work through the zones and maintain collection. However, depending on weather patterns, leaves can fall all at once and slow down the collection process. Valparaiso City Services strives to provide the best services possible. Patience is appreciated as crews navigate this leaf season, making operational adjustments as needed.
"We are happy to utilize our newly acquired truck-mount leaf vacuum for a second leaf collection season. This larger capacity vacuum holds three times the volume of leaves and adds an automated arm so crews can collect leaves feaster and with fewer trips to the compost site," said Mayor Costas. "This adds up to savings of time, fuel and manpower."
Progress updates will be provided to residents, so they have a better idea of when to expect leaf collection in their own neighborhoods. Please remember that some areas of the city take longer due to more trees. To view the progress updates and learn your zone, visit tinyurl.com/ValpoLeaf. The Valparaiso City Services Department of Public Works will post progress updates on the Valparaiso City Services - Public Works page of the City’s website, https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/163/City-Services---Public-Works-Division.
Leaf crews will be working regularly scheduled hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Hours will be extended and include weekends, as necessary.
In your neighborhood, please remember the following:
- Take the leaves to the right-of-way “curb area,” not onto the street.
- Placing leaves onto city streets results in street flooding, property damage and is a violation of City ordinance 53.18.
- The City will not pick up loose leaf piles with any sort of debris (rocks, sticks, garbage, etc.) in them.
- Keep loose leaf piles away from obstacles, such as parked cars, mailboxes, etc.
- Please bag leaves in biodegradable bags after Dec. 5. Lawn bags will be picked up by brush trucks until December 31.
- For more information about leaf pick up or other services of Public Works, visit the city’s website at valpo.us.
If you have specific questions regarding your leaf service, please contact Valparaiso City Services Customer Service at (219) 462-6174.