Leaf Pickup Program Begins Oct. 24

Hopefully the rain will hold off this weekend so residents, especially in district 1, can start raking leaves to the street for the city to pick up.  

Here is the schedule for pick up:

• District 1- Oct. 24 through Oct. 28
• District 2- Oct. 31 through Nov. 4
• District 3- Nov. 7 through Nov.11
• District 1- Nov. 14 through Nov. 18
• District 2- Nov. 21 through Nov. 23 (short week Thanksgiving)
• District 3- Nov. 28 through Dec. 2

Here's the city's rules and regulations pertaining to leaf pick up provided by Assistant Public Service Director Michael Miller:

• Leaf Pick-up Program 

The City of Stow will pick-up your leaves, placed in piles at the curb or in the tree lawn, during a six week period during the fall on an approximate three week cycle, provided there is no snowfall which cuts the program short. 

In addition, those residents who participate in the City of Stow’s Residential Solid Waste Program also have the option of placing their leaves in yard waste bags at curbside, and they will be picked-up on a weekly basis on their regular trash day for a six week period during the fall. 

• Curbside leaf pick-up of piled leaves 

During the six week period during the fall, residents may rake their leaves into piles and place them at curbside or in the tree lawn for pick-up by the City. 

While grass clippings may be mixed into the piles of leaves, brush, twigs, and branches should NOT be included, as they may clog or damage City equipment and delay pick-up. 

Do not under any circumstance place leaves within the roadway, including the berm. 

Residents may place their leaves at curbside or in their tree lawn at their convenience and let them sit until the City pick-up. 

• How do I know when to expect leaf pickup? 

A schedule is established based on three leaf districts. Leaves, placed in piles at the curb or in the tree lawn, are picked-up during a six week period during the fall on an approximate three week cycle. The City will pick-up the leaves twice in each district during this six week cycle. There is a map of the districts, which indicates the pick-up week projection based on when leaf pick-up begins. 

The City cannot predict a specific date when your piled leaves will be picked-up at curbside or in the tree lawn. Pick-up will be on a district by district schedule, so specific pick-up dates will vary due to a number of factors such as weather, amount of leaves to be picked-up, and the number of pieces of equipment available. Pick-up also may be delayed due to factors such as equipment breakdown, volume of leaves, or weather, especially rain or snow. 

• Does placing leaves at curbside harm the grass? 

Placing leaves at curbside or in the tree lawn may cause the grass below to yellow or burn out, but it will survive. Residents should wait to place leaves out prior to their collection week, rather than place them out too far ahead. 

Residents who participate in the City of Stow’s new Residential Solid Waste Program also have the option of placing their leaves in yard waste bags at curbside. Leaves in yard waste bags at curbside will be picked-up on a weekly basis on the resident’s regular trash day during the six week period in the fall, which would avoid potential yellowing or burn-out of grass. 

• Leaves in yard waste bags 

Residents who participate in the City of Stow’s Residential Solid Waste Program are able to place their leaves in yard waste bags at curbside on their regular trash day during the designated six week period during the fall. Leaves in yard waste bags by participating residents will be picked-up on a weekly basis during that period. 

• What items can be placed in yard waste bags? 

Leaves, of course, can be placed in yard waste bags. In addition, grass clippings may be mixed into the leaves. However, brush, twigs, and branches should NOT be included. 

• Where can I purchase yard waste bags for leaves? 

Standard 30 gallon paper bags for leaf disposal can be purchased at a number of local vendors, such as Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, ...