10/31/08 PRESS RELEASE: Town to hold leaf pickup

The town will provide leaf collection to all properties on public streets in building zones R-20 (half-acre) and below.

The leaf collection program is conducted for a six to eight-week period from mid-November to mid-December, and may be adjusted, at the discretion of the town, in the event of adverse weather conditions. Weather permitting, the town provides two collections per numeric section during the leaf collection program.

When a section has received its second collection, it will be incumbent upon the residents to remove all residual leaf piles. On average, the town removes in excess of 30,000 cubic yards of leaves each year.Residents in the collection areas are to rake leaves only into piles at the shoulder, off the pavement of the road.

Residents are requested to avoid raking leaves onto the pavement, sidewalks, catch basin grates and open channels, which cause drainage and flooding problems during periods of rain. Sticks, branches and garden refuse will not be collected.Twenty-four hour leaf collection scheduling information is available by calling the leaf collection hotline, 618-7698.

Depending on rapid progress or inclement weather delays, the hotline schedule is updated daily with data provided by the foremen. The town recommends that residents stay ahead by raking early and frequently.

The first collection will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 12, in sections number 1, 2, 3 and 4. Collection will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 19 in Sections Number 11, 13 and 17. Once the first collection is completed, the second and final collection will begin. Street names with corresponding

Section Numbers can be obtained at the town website Greenwichct.org.