Contact: Leo Cheek
Phone:   373-4165

New Starting Date Set for City's Leaf Collection Program

GREENSBORO, NC -- (October 31, 2007) -- Due to the limited numbers of leaves currently on the ground, the City of Greensboro's Field Operations will change the start date for the leaf program from November 5 to November 12. The program provides residents with two scheduled collections for leaves that are raked to the curb.

• Leaves that are curbside by November 12 will be picked up by December 15.
• Leaves that are curbside by December 17 will be picked up by January 25, 2008.

It’s easy to use the Leaf Collection Program:
• Rake leaves to the edge of your yard behind the curb - not in the street.
• Remove sticks, rocks, and other debris which can damage the City's equipment.
• Do not park vehicles on, in front of, or near your leaves.

The leaf collection program helps keep leaves from blocking storm drains and prevents decaying leaves from polluting our lakes and streams. The collected leaves are made into compost to fertilize City gardens and landscaped areas. Residents may purchase the compost at the White Street Landfill, 2503 White Street or call 373-2489.

In addition to the collection program, residents are encouraged to recycle their leaves by composting or shredding them and using them as fertilizer for lawns and gardens. You can also use leaves as mulch to protect plants and shrubs. For more information on mulching or composting leaves, call the Guilford County Cooperative Extension Service at 375-5876 or visit http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil/pdf/ag457.pdf.

Greensboro residents can also use the City’s year-round yard waste pickup for leaves. Simply put your leaves in clear plastic bags or in a plastic or metal garbage can and set them at the curb on your regular trash collection day.

The leaf collection schedule may change due to inclement weather. The program does not service private streets.

Once the leaf collection program begins, residents can check the status of collection by visiting an interactive map located at www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/fieldops or by calling 373-CITY (2489).

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The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to increase the quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment of inclusion, diversity, and trust. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2,800 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City is governed by a council-manager form of government with a mayor and eight council members. For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.