City neighbors get an extra week to get leaves and other yard waste to the curbside for pickup by Waste Management, as city staff have extended this year’s pickup through Friday, Dec. 8.
Staff made the decision based on the warm weather into this fall, which has delayed the falling of leaves. The extension will not affect customer utility bills.
Those living in the city limits may place yard waste items at the curb on their regular trash/recycling pickup days each week.
Leaves, downed branches and other yard waste should be placed in specially marked containers and/or paper yard waste bags. The bags are available at most area grocery and hardware stores. Approved containers may be up to 32 gallons in size and should be clearly marked “yard waste only.” Each bag or container may not weigh more than 50 pounds.
Neighbors also have the option of purchasing their own, larger container for yard waste, if it has a lift bar on the front, or renting a 96-gallon cart for yard waste collection from Waste Management. Rental carts can be used for trash during the winter months, December to March. Call 866-797-0918 for options and pricing.
Other options for addressing yard waste are mowing the lawn and leaving the grass to create natural mulch, or hauling yard waste to Brice Pit, the city’s compost site, at 715 W. River Road.
Please don’t let leaves and other lawn debris run into storm drains on city streets. If you have an inlet near your property, we ask for your help to make sure it remains clear, to avoid clogging and street flooding.
More information and yard waste and recycling is available on our website, www.battlecreekmi.gov/recycling.