(WSB file photo)
Planning to go outside this no-rain-expected weekend and clear away some leaves (or catch up on other yard work)? Here’s the annual reminder – November is “free extra yard waste” month for city curbside-pickup customers. Each collection day through the end of the month, Seattle Public Utilities says, you can set out up to 10 extra bags/containers of yard waste.
Does that apply to unincorporated King County where we have Waste Management service? Or is it just in the city?
Another reminder: fallen leaves are free organic mulch for your yard, and when left alone, by the spring they will have decomposed and cycled the nutrients back to the trees and soil. In addition, countless species depend on leaf litter for shelter and nesting, including our native bees. Kick your feet up instead this year and leave the leaves!
My sister told me to rake & dispose of my apple tree leaves to minimize those pesky fruit invading pests. I have done so for a number of years and it has helped! Way fewer invaders and fruit in edible condition. Not all leaves make a good mulch.
Now lets see if people take advantage of this freebie and rake up the leaves in front of their homes…
Please remember to clean the street gutters too! Picking up the leaves off the street keeps the drains free of debris- no pooling water or flooding streets. Plus it helps our water quality!
Thanks for the information. I looked for it on the Seattle Public Utilities site last week and couldn’t find the status of the November “unlimited” compost program. We are so grateful for your keeping your fingers on the pulse. Please keep up the good work!
btw. A few years back, I contacted SPU and was told the free pickup only applied to leaves. You would be charged for extra bags that did not contain leaves. Not sure if this is true or enforced.
If you follow the link, it’s very clear. *Yard waste* (not just leaves) but not food waste. You can also bundle branches and twigs. From the source page:
If you do find that you have more leaves and yard waste than can fit in your food and yard waste cart, SPU has you covered! This November, SPU is providing FREE extra yard waste collection for household customers, up to 10 extra bags for every collection throughout the month. Simply set out your extra yard waste next to your food and yard waste cart on your collection day.
SPU household customers can set out up to 10 bags of extra yard waste every collection date all November long for FREE!
Extra yard waste must be contained either in kraft paper bags or placed in an extra container that is clearly marked to indicate it contains extra yard waste. Please make sure your extra yard waste collection bags or container only contain yard waste, not food waste. Fallen branches and twigs can be set out for extra collection as well. These can be tied into bundles up to 4 feet long by 2 feet in diameter and tied with fiber twine. Do not use wire, nylon cording, or plastic banding.
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