Leaf crews remain on north side to finish week, get started early on south side
City leaf collection crews are already moving on to start their work on the south side of town. Fort Wayne's annual leaf pick-up started Monday on the city's north side. Crews had good working conditions this week and have nearly completed their first sweep of the north side. Some crews will now be directed to the south side of town to get a head start on waiting leaves. The City is providing two collections cycles instead of three to save taxpayer money while improving service. Weather permitting, leaf collection will end Dec. 12.
Residents who have their leaves in biodegradable bags can call the 311 Call Center for priority pick-up within two business days, regardless of the pick-up schedule in their area.
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 in the trash.
The loose-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.
Any southern locations picked up this week will be revisited during the regular collection the entire week of November 3-7. This way, residents in the south side who have leaves waiting to be picked up will be served, but those who did not set out their leaves early will not be penalized. Some crews will remain north to pick up any leaves that are set out through this week.
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 areas is also available on the Web site. The schedule and map were also included in October's City Utilities bills.
To schedule bagged leaf pick-up, call the 311 call center from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays at either 311 or 427-8311.