Annual Joplin leaf pickup program coming to an end

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin has announced that the annual leaf pick-up program has ended with all residential areas being canvassed. However, if residents still have leaves, the Parks Department will provide “special request pick-ups.” These pick-up dates will generally be on Fridays until February 24. Residents wanting to place their address on the pick-up list should call the Parks Department at 625-4750 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. by February 23.

The City asks that leaves be raked to the curb and left un-bagged. It is important for the leaf pile to be completely free of all contamination such as tree limbs, rocks, trash, twigs, and bags. DO NOT rake leaves into the street, as they may clog the storm drains plus cause the City’s street sweeping truck to bypass that area. Make sure vehicles are not blocking access to the leaves.

One alternative to leaf disposal is home composting. To create compost simply put leaves, grass, and meat-free kitchen scraps in your compost bin, keep it moist, stirring the mixture will speed up the decomposition process, and then harvest the finished compost from the bottom of the bin. Finished compost should be available in approximately two seasons and produces a free organic fertilizer. The City encourages the use of compost instead of non-organic fertilizers and chemicals on lawns and gardens. Compost can be tilled into the soil thus making the plants healthy and less susceptible to diseases and insects, which reduces theneed for chemicals. Run off of chemical based fertilizers and pesticides can harm water bodies. For additional composting information, contact the Recycling Coordinator at 624-0820 ext. 501.

Another free leaf disposal option is to bring the leaves to the Joplin Compost Facility next to the Turkey Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant at 3457 Eddy Lane, which is west of the intersection of Eddy and North Peace Church Avenue.

The easiest alternative to leaf disposal is to rake the leaves onto the lawn and run over them with a mulching lawnmower.

Not-so-earth-friendly alternatives for leaf disposal include setting out bagged leaves for the regular weekly trash service or burning the leaves.

Residents wishing to burn their leaves must first obtain a burn permit. Rules and pricing can be obtained by contacting the Joplin Fire Department at 623-0403, or visit the web site www.joplinmofire.org, or call the Finance Department at 624-0820 ext. 242.