The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) has started to collect fallen leaves throughout Marion County – two weeks sooner than last year.
From now Dec. 2, up to 40 bags of leaves per household will be picked up each week free of charge.
To ensure a successful collection effort, Indianapolis residents are asked to follow these simple guidelines:
• Place leaves in plastic or large paper lawn-waste bags.
• Place leaf bags out by 7 a.m. on your regular trash day.
• Clearly identify and separate bags of leaves from regular trash. Place them on opposite sides of the driveway, in different colored bags or use different color tie wraps.
In 96-gallon cart collection areas, all leaves must be bagged and placed at least three feet away from the cart to allow DPW trucks to service the cart. Additionally, all trash must fit inside the cart. Trash outside the cart will not be taken during leaf collection season. Residents also should ensure that sewer inlets and drainage pipes are kept clear of leaves and debris to avoid drainage and flooding problems.
DPW reuses collected leaves as compost and makes it available to Marion County residents, free of charge year round. Compost can be used as a soil conditioner, potting soil or mulch. Using compost improves soil aeration, drainage and nutrient exchange to improve the health of lawns and help gardens grow.
Last year, more than 6,000 tons of leaves were collected during the city’s annual leaf collection program.
As a reminder, it is illegal to burn leaves in Marion County. Smoke from burning leaves pollutes the air with harmful particles and is hazardous to young children and people with heart and lung disease.
For more information contact the Mayor’s Action Center at (317) 327-4622 or visit www.indy.gov/dpw.
