City's annual leaf pickup program ends

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin has announced that the annual leaf program has ended with all parts of the residential areas being canvassed. Joplin residents who may have been missed and want their leaves picked up may make a request by calling the Parks Department at 624-6937. Call back service will be on Fridays, until March 14.

Residents may also bring their leaves to the Joplin Compost Facility next to the Turkey Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant at 3457 Eddy Lane.

One alternative to leaf disposal is home composting. To learn more, contact Mary Anne Phillips, Joplin Recycling Coordinator at 624-0820 Extension 501.

Not-so-earth-friendly alternatives for leaf disposal include setting out bagged leaves for the regular weekly trash service or burning the leaves. However, Phillips warned, “According to the E.P.A., burning dry leaves can release chemicals known to irritate our respiratory system, therefore burning is discouraged.”

Burn permits may be obtained from any of the Fire Stations in the City or at the City’s Finance Department at City Hall. The permit costs $5 and is good for three consecutive days, starting on the day of purchase. The Fire Stations are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven day per week. Please note there may be times when firefighters are not at the station to issue permits, due to the nature of their job. Fire Stations will only be able to accept payment by check or money order. The Finance Department, located on the third floor of City Hall, 602 South Main, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The City Hall location will accept cash, check, debit, money order, or credit card payments.

No matter where the permit is obtained, residents must still inquire with the Joplin Fire Department about weather conditions and if burning is allowed on each day. Residents can obtain this information by calling 623-0403.

To schedule a missed pick up, contact the Parks Department at 624-6937. For more information about burn permits and rules, contact the Joplin Fire Department at 623-0403 or go to www.joplinmofire.org. For information on Joplin residential trash pickup, contact Republic Service at 800-431-1507.