City of Bloomington Public Works crews will start Fall Leaf Collection the week of October 30, 2023, running through December 15, 2023. This initiative is designed to help residents dispose of fallen leaves in an eco-friendly manner, preserving the beauty of our city.
In conjunction with Leaf Pickup, the city will temporarily suspend bulk waste collection starting October 30, 2023. We understand that this may cause a temporary inconvenience, but this measure allows us to allocate resources effectively and maintain a smooth leaf collection process, benefiting the entire community. During this period, residents are encouraged to utilize the Citizens Convenience Center for the disposal of bulk items.
Residents are asked to follow these guidelines when participating in the Leaf Collection Program:
- Leaf Separation: Please separate branches and garden clippings from your leaves. These items should not be mixed with leaf piles – if crews find them mixed, they will not be able to collect the leaves and a flag will be left next to the pile explaining the need to divide.
- Placement: Rake leaves to the curb, but make sure they’re not placed in the street. This helps maintain traffic safety and prevents clogging of storm drains. Bagged leaves are also not able to be collected.
- Mulching Option and Benefits: We encourage residents to consider the eco-friendly alternative of mulching leaves directly onto the lawn. The benefits include: a) Natural Fertilizer: Mulched leaves decompose and release valuable nutrients back into the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer; b) Reduction of Waste: Mulching reduces the volume of yard waste that needs to be collected, contributing to a greener environment; c) Time and Cost Savings: Mulching reduces the need for raking and curbside collection, saving residents time and resources.
For updates, leaf collection schedules and maps, along with any additional information regarding the Fall Leaf Collection program and bulk waste please visit www.bloomingtonil.gov/leaves.
