Don’t leave leaves in the street

WINFIELD — Effectively immediately, Winfield will change leaf collection from street pick-up to bagged, curb-side collection.

According to the city officials, at the October city council meeting, the council decided to change how public works collects leaves throughout the city.

“For many years, the city has used the street sweeper to pick up leaves that residents place in the street,” an announcement from the city states. “The street sweeper is showing its age and cannot pick up leaves efficiently anymore. The best way to save the wear and tear on the street sweeper is to discontinue using it to pick up leaves.”

So, going forward, leaves will now be collected curbside in yard waste bags.

While plastic bags will be picked up at this time, paper bags are recommended. Bags are available for $1 from city hall or residents may purchase their own yard waste bags.

There is no limit on these bags, and they can be placed along the curb for the city public works department to pick them up anytime during business hours. Simply call city fall at 319 257-6661 to inform them you have bags ready.

As for sticks, residents can neatly stack them laying in one direction next to the curb for pick up.

Additionally, residents may take their yard waste tot eh city’s burn site at 130th Street or mulch the materials in their own yards.

Residents might notice the street sweeper still collecting some leaves and debris, however, the city assures these collections are meant to be for debris which naturally falls into the street.

“This clean up should not be mistaken to replace the bag it option,” the city writes in a letter to residents. “Keeping the streets clean will help protect the city’s storm drains and protect property from flooding.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com