December 9, 2011 – Springfield’s Department of Public Works (DPW) announced today that it will end the seasonal collection of leaf and yard waste on Friday, December 16, 2011. Leaf and yard waste collection will commence again in the Spring.
The December 16, 2011, yard waste end date should not be confused with the Monday, December 12, 2011, deadline for residents to place tree debris from the unprecedented October snowstorm out for collection.
City hired contractors will collect snowstorm related tree debris in all areas of the City and residents should be aware that due to the volume of tree debris it will take some time following the established deadline for the collection process to be completed. After the December 12th deadline residents placing any additional storm related tree debris out for collection will be required to follow the DPW’s yard waste collection policy: (Branches can be no wider than 3" in diameter and no longer than 4' and must be tied for pickup. Logs and Stumps are not collected by City DPW crews.)
The DPW previously issued a parking advisory asking that residents who park on city streets do so in a manner that does not block tree debris that has been placed on city tree belts for collection allowing for a more efficient clean-up process and ensuring tree debris collection does not get missed. Tree debris cannot be collected where vehicles are parked in front of the debris and the truck collection equipment cannot reach it.
Springfield residents are reminded that tree branch debris can be placed on city tree belts and along the edge of the street on residential properties (for houses without tree belts) and it will be picked up in the coming days. Residents are being asked not to block sidewalks or the street with tree debris.
The City of Springfield also reminds contractors who have been hired by residents that they are responsible for their own debris removal. The City will not remove debris generated by hired contractors. Residents are encouraged to contact their homeowners’ insurance company for questions about insurance coverage regarding large trees and branches on private property.