Fort Wayne's leaf pick-up starts Oct. 27
The City of Fort Wayne's leaf collection will start on the city's north side Oct. 27 with two collection cycles instead of three as done in years past. Weather permitting, leaf collection will conclude Dec. 12.
This change will save the City at least $200,000. In 2007, the first pick-up cycle collected only 7 percent of the total leaves collected.
By going to two collection cycles and starting about two weeks later, the City's street department, which is charged with leaf collection, will be able to save taxpayer money and finish collection about a week earlier, giving the street department an additional week to outfit these trucks for snow plowing.
“Residents and taxpayers expect the City of Fort Wayne to deliver effective services while also being prudent with their money,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Going to two leaf pick-ups allows us to do both. Most residents won't even notice a difference, plus we're providing priority pick-up for those who use the paper leaf bags.”
Starting Oct. 27, residents who collected their leaves in biodegradable bags can call the 311 call center for priority pick-up within two business days regardless of the traditional collection dates.
The leaf collection dates for 2008 are:
'¢ North: Oct. 27-31 and Nov. 17-21
'¢ South: Nov. 3-7 and Dec. 1-5
'¢ Central: Nov. 10-14 and Dec. 8-12
'¢ The week of Nov. 24 will be used be to catch up on weather-related delays.
During leaf season, residents can call the leaf hotline at 427-2302 or visit www.cityoffortwayne.org for the day's pick-up locations.
A map of the leaf collection areas is included with this release. The same map and collection dates are included with City Utilities' October bills. The north, central and south boundaries for 2008 haven't changed.
Leaves must be raked to the park strip. The street department recommends having them there by the first day of the pick-up week. They should not be raked into street. Burning leaves is illegal, and they cannot be placed into the trash.
To schedule bagged leaf pick-up starting Oct. 27, call the 311 call center from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays at either 311 or 427-8311.
To see the collection map and other information, visit the Street Department's leaf pick-up page.