This winter’s recent wrath has led to some changes in the way Valparaiso’s Public Works Department will handle spring leaf pick-ups. “Due to the extreme winter, it was all hands on deck for snow removal. Our vacuum trucks were placed in storage and have been unavailable for our traditional spring roundup,” said Matt Evans, Public Works Director. “We’re aware of the need and will deploy them to collect loose leaves throughout the city April 14-25,” he said.
Residents who would like their leaves removed prior to April 14 may bag their leaves and place them at the curb. “At current staffing levels, we do not maintain dedicated leaf crews. For efficiency, the same staff patches potholes, repairs sod in city rights of way, and picks up leaves. Once these immediate needs, particularly potholes, are complete, we’ll move on to leaf collection,” said Evans. “We appreciate the community’s patience. After the winter we’ve had, we share in the enthusiasm for warmer weather and the wish to put the past season’s dead leaves behind us all.”
Public Works wants to remind residents that leaf piles should contain ONLY leaves – no brush, timber, wire, etc. Brush should be stacked in a neat pile, separate from leaves. There is no need to call for a pick up and the city leaf vacuums will make two passes through town. After that (April 25), additional leaves must be bagged, in paper or biodegradable lawn and leaf bags as equipment will be stored and unavailable for special pick ups.
Residents also have the option to take leaves and yard waste to the county’s Valparaiso compost facility at 2150 W. Lincolnway (Hwy 130, 1 mile west of the intersection at Joliet Road). Regular season hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit the city’s website at Valpo.us and look under the “Departments” heading for Public Works.