City’s all leaf collection begins Oct. 16

The city of Elyria will host its first leaf collection program Oct. 16 through Nov. 28.

It was the brain-child of Keenan Williams, assistant manager of the Elyria Street Department.

Williams has worked with the schools to coordinate the effort.

“The city is very proud of Mr. Williams and the many students and school personnel who have been involved in coordinating this effort,” said Mayor Holly Brinda. “I am sure it will be appreciated by a number of our citizens.”

Brinda said the students will provide leaf raking service from Nov. 13 -22, when most of the leaves have fallen.

As for the communitywide leaf collection, crews will cover the entire city and concentrate first on areas with mature trees, the release said.

There is no set schedule for collection, as weather conditions, equipment and personnel fluctuate day-today.

Williams said he is focused on helping the community as well as providing great service to people in need.

“I have been getting a lot of positive responses from the community, and we are excited to start the program and focus on helping Elyria,” he said.

The city is ushering out a new service this year, the release said.

Senior citizens unable to rake leaves because of an illness or physical disability are eligible to sign up for free leaf raking service by calling the Mayor’s Office at 440-326-1420 by Nov. 1, according to the release.

The new service is possible through the generosity of student volunteers from Elyria High School and Elyria Catholic High School, the release said. The first 100 citizens to sign up will be eligible for the service.

Regardless of the weather, city crews will not collect leaves after Nov. 28, the city said.

Leaves must be raked to the curb in piles, but not in the street, according to Elyria officials.

Residents must be mindful of any brush, twigs or other materials should not be in the mix with the leaves, some items may be unsafe and will clog the vacuum equipment, according to a media release.

Any leaves remaining on the curb or lawn after Nov. 28 must be bagged (brown bags only) and left with the weekly trash pick-up.

Free brown compost bags are available at the Mayor’s Office or the Public Utilities Office, 131 Court St.

Residents are encouraged to dispose of their leaves at the Elyria Compost Center, 45 Chestnut St., which is managed by Barnes Nursery.

Details regarding their hours of operation and services can be found on the city’s website under the Sanitation Department at www.cityofelyria.org.

Leaves collected by crews are composted and not dumped into area landfills.

The city has safety tips involving leaves.

• Do not allow children to play in the leaves near the street or curb

• Do not place branches or other debris in leaf piles. Doing so may result in the non collection of leaves

• Do not park vehicles on or near leave piles

For additional information or questions, call the Elyria Street Department at 440-3223129 of the safety service director’s office at 440326-1420.