MUSCATINE, Iowa – Cooler fall weather has helped the Department of Public Works (DPW) make steady progress on leaf collection in all city zones as part of the annual Leaf Collection Program, a free service for Muscatine residents.
“The leaves have really come down this past week, so the crews have been busy but are still making good progress,” said Tyson Wedekind, Roadway Maintenance Supervisor. “We will continue collecting as long as the weather allows.”
DPW reminds residents that parked cars can slow or prevent crews from collecting leaf piles. If a leaf pile is blocked by a vehicle, it will be bypassed until the next cycle, weather permitting.
Residents are also asked not to place leaf piles around mailboxes, utility poles, or street signs. Leaf piles should be placed on the boulevard — not in the street — and in an open area that crews can easily reach with the vacuum equipment.
“Keeping leaf piles away from obstacles helps us collect more efficiently,” Wedekind said. “We avoid getting too close to obstructions to prevent damage to either equipment or property.”
Placing leaves in the street can cause storm drains to clog during rain, leading to standing water and roadway hazards. Residents should also avoid mixing trash, branches, or other yard debris with leaf piles, as the vacuum trucks cannot pick up these materials.
Leaf Collection Guidelines
- Place leaves near, but not beyond, the curb so they are within reach of the vacuum,
- Do not include branches or twigs, which can clog equipment.
- All leaves must be placed outside fenced areas.
- Do not place leaves in the street or where they extend into traffic lanes.
- Keep leaf piles away from mailboxes, signs, light poles, and other obstructions.
- Crews will not collect leaves mixed with debris, logs, branches, rocks, plastic, metal, glass, or other refuse.
- Do not place leaves on City cul-de-sacs, vacant land, or City property except within the public right-of-way along the curb or shoulder.
City leaf vacuum trucks will canvass each zone (see map) of the city. DPW will continue the procedure of not dedicating certain days to certain zones but will complete a cycle in one zone and then move on to the next zone. DPW will work through all eight zones and repeat the process as long as the weather holds. The leaf vacuum trucks were in Zone 5 Tuesday afternoon.
As we move further into fall, the possibility of inclement weather increases. Leaf collection operations may be postponed as snow and ice control take priority.
Equipment breakdowns and heaving rains can slow progress, and snowstorms can curtail the program as snow removal takes priority. If that happens, leaf collection will be suspended until the spring.
For more information, contact the Department of Public Works at 563-263-8933.
To check the current zone for leaf collection trucks, call 563-272-2506, ext. 149. The message is updated daily.