originally uploaded to flickr.com by emilyonasunday
True all our trees are not yet barren for winter, but it’s officially time to start getting rid of the leaves that have graced our yards and sidewalks. The District Department of Public Works has published this year’s leaf collection schedule and as always we have two chances to get our leaves scooped up by the City.
Ward 6 is divided into two areas. All of Ward 6 north of East Capitol Street NE should have their leaves raked into the tree boxes or tree wells by November 6 for collection sometime between November 7 and November 19, and again by December 4 for collection by December 17.
Ward 6 south of East Capitol Street SE should rake leaves into the tree boxes by November 20 for pick up by December 3 and by December 18 for pick up by December 31.
The DC DPW asks that leaves be the only thing that you rake into the tree boxes for collection – no branches, twigs, trash or rocks as these items can damage the collection vehicles. If you bag your leaves, use paper bags as plastic bags can also damange the equipment. Make sure not to rake leaves into storm drains, and if some of your leaves do migrate into a drain after a rainfall please clear it out to prevent flooding.
According to the DPW website, most of the leaves are composted and recycled. The most recent data shows for the 2009-2010 season, in which 4,500 tons of leaves were collected and composted for use in community gardens.
To check on leaf collections in the neighborhood, head to the DPW’s leaf website.
Silly question from a new home owner: Who takes care of the leaves in the alley? Since I am one of the homes that borders the alley do I have to rake/pile the leaves blown in there to the tree box on the street?
Thanks,
John
We have always raked up the leaves in the alley directly behind our house, perhaps hoping that other neighbors would do the same for the portions behind their houses. Since an alley is a right-of-way, they may be treated like the streets are. I will see if I can find an official answer. Good question.
We have always raked up the leaves in the alley directly behind our house, perhaps hoping that other neighbors would do the same for the portions behind their houses. Since an alley is a right-of-way, they may be treated like the streets are. I will see if I can find an official answer. Good question.
Just spoke with someone at DC DPW. If your property abuts the alley, you are responsible for removing leaves from that portion of the alley equal to the width of your property.
Thanks, Jon! Looks like I got some work ahead of me — darn angled lot!
Just spoke with someone at DC DPW. If your property abuts the alley, you are responsible for removing leaves from that portion of the alley equal to the width of your property.
Thanks, Jon! Looks like I got some work ahead of me — darn angled lot!