Leaf Day Pickup Service begins on Sunday, Nov. 2, continues through December 17
to collect and compost leaves in neighborhoods with mature trees
(October 28, 2014) - The City of Portland’s annual Leaf Day Pickup Service begins on Sunday, November 2, and extends through December 17, 2014 offering a one- or two-day leaf collection and composting service in neighborhoods with mature trees.
In addition, the Portland Bureau of Transportation urges all residents to keep streets and storm drains clear of leaves in the coming weeks to prevent slippery conditions and street flooding, which can occur when storm grates become clogged or when leaves are left in the street. The Transportation Bureau asks residents to sweep up leaves as they fall and place them in yard debris roll carts for collection and composting.
The city’s leaf pickup service is provided to 30 designated leaf removal districts in neighborhoods whose high concentration of street trees need a higher level of service than residents’ and the city’s regular street cleaning operation can provide.
The Transportation Bureau composts all leaves that are picked up through the program at its Sunderland Recycling Facility. Last year, the Leaf Day service collected 12,681 cubic yards of leaves, turning them into 2,536 cubic yards of compost and zero waste. One cubic yard is roughly the amount that can fill a small pickup truck.
Residents in leaf districts have received letters and brochures notifying them of the service, which typically costs $15 for one Leaf Day and $30 for two. The letters also show how to opt out of the service for residents who wish to remove leaves themselves. The last day for opting out is November 1. People may verify their dates of service and find other information at www.Portlandoregon.gov/leafday. Residents with questions may call 503-865-LEAF (5323).