Geneva OKs extra leaf collection

With many trees holding their leaves later than normal, the Geneva City Council on Nov. 21 authorized a special fourth curbside collection throughout the community.

The curbside collection zones and start dates are below. Each zone takes a few days to complete.

• Zone A, east side of the Fox River, with final pickup on Thursday, Dec. 8

• Zone B, west side of the Fox River, north of Route 38 or north of Kaneville Road and north of Keslinger Road. Residents living on these streets are part of Zone B. The final pickup will be Wednesday, Nov. 30.

• Zone C, west side of the Fox River, south of Route 38 or south of Kaneville Road and south of Keslinger Road, will have final pickup on Monday, Dec. 5.

Residents are required to rake their leaves parallel to the parkway and about 12 inches behind the curb or edge of the pavement by 7 a.m. on the Monday of their scheduled week.

Raking leaves into the street or curb/gutter can clog storm sewers, which can later result in street flooding. Leaves placed on the parkway after the crews have passed will not be collected. People also should make sure their leaf piles are clear of cars and other obstructions that would prevent the contractor's vacuum trucks from accessing the parkways.

The curbside program already has collected leaves on every street three times during October and November. However, with the late arrival of fall this year and a number of residents inquiring about additional service, the city council approved the special leaf pickup that will not exceed $77,520.

Residents can still dispose of their leaves for free through the city's leaf bag collection program that runs throughout December. Refuse stickers are not required, but bags must only contain leaves. Yard waste, mulch or grass clippings mixed with leaves will not be accepted. Bags can be placed at the curb on residents' regular garbage day.

Full details about both programs can be found on the city's website at www.geneva.il.us.