Story posted Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Leaf Pickup Program Making Final Rounds
By TIM O'CONNOR Journal & Topics Reporter
Residents with leaves blanketing their lawns have only a few more weeks until Niles' free leaf removal service ends.
For residents living east of Milwaukee Avenue the last week of leaf pickup begins Monday, Nov. 16. Leaf pickup is the week of Monday, Nov. 9 and Monday, Nov. 23 for residents west of Milwaukee Avenue.
The program began in early October.
But what happens to the leaves once residents rake them to the curb, or street if there is no curb, for pickup?
According to Tom Paus, streets and signs manager, a street sweeper and shovel truck push the leaves into a pile at the end of the street. Then, a loader drops the leaves into a large truck and they are hauled away to the public services department where they are placed in pile.
Finally, contractors such as Groot Industries haul away the leaves. These contractors then turn the leaves into mulch or dispose of them.
Paus estimated the leaf collection costs Niles between $60,000 and $70,000 a year. The village also spends between $10,000 and $14,000 on contractors to haul the leaves away.
He attributed most of the expense to the cost of equipment. Paus added that usually six employees work the leaf pickup, but that number rises to 12 at the height of the season.
He said the pickup is necessary for the community.
"It keeps the sewers from flooding," Paus said. "The streets look a lot cleaner."
The leaf collection is a free service, which differs from other surrounding communities, like Arlington Hts., which charge to dispose of leafs.
"It's been offered for a number of years and I think that everyone is happy there is an alternative to bagging their leaves," said Bob Pilat, assistant director of public services.
Pilat added that pickup could continue past the scheduled dates depending on the weather.
Residents who want their leaves collected should remember to rake leaves into the street on Monday, even if they are not picked up until later in the week.
park in their driveways or garages to provide better access for crew; and not put leaves in bags or boxes.
Those who wish to bag their leaves instead can purchase a $2 yard waste sticker and include the bag in their normal garbage pickup.
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