MONROE — Starting Oct. 15, the City of Monroe Street Department began its annual leaf-collection process with an entirely new operating system. 

While the city had hoped to have its newly built unit, the manufacturer could not meet the promised completion date of April 2024. Because the manufacturer experienced production delays, the city requested they provide a supplement unit. As the city awaited a final decision from the manufacturer, the city was left with great uncertainty as to what process it could use to collect leaves and do so within budget limitations.

A week before the leaf collection was set to begin, the manufacturer located a temporary supplement unit for the city to use. Although the delay impacted the city’s ability to distribute communications and educational materials to residents earlier in the year, officials appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as it works through these challenges.

Residents are asked to pile leaves on the terrace, the grassy area between the sidewalk and the street, or just behind the curb line for those without a sidewalk. This helps prevent debris from clogging storm drains, which can lead to flooding and pollution in local streams and ponds, as well as reducing phosphorus, ultimately impacting the city’s overall operations.

Residents with larger yard waste, such as branches or limbs from storm damage, should pile these materials separately from the leaf piles. This year, larger yard debris will be collected until leaf collection ends. After that, yard waste must be placed in clear bags or bundled together that weigh no more than 60 lbs. Each bag must have a $2 yard waste sticker, which is available at City Hall. Yard waste bags will be collected every Wednesday.

From Oct. 15-21, the city did not experience a substantial amount of leaf drop. That first week officials dispatched two street sweepers and the leaf vacuum system to clear the entire city in a few days. The leaf tonnage collected in the first week was minimal. On Oct. 24, the city began experiencing substantial leaf droppings. It was at this time officials transitioned into full leafing operations. The city is picking up 20 to 30 tons of leaves daily, which is around five tons more than previous operations. To ensure daily operations with no interruptions to collection, the city is training six operators to run the leaf vacuum system.

Thge operation includes two street sweepers, one leaf vacuum system, two loaders, two quad axles, and one leaf pusher. The amount of equipment in operation fluctuates weekly depending on the piles that are noticed. The loaders, quad axles, and leaf pusher operate just ahead of the leaf vacuum system, picking up piles contaminated with large debris and clearing curb lines where unwanted debris has been placed.

The city thanks its residents for their continued support and patience during the leaf collection process.

The city also thanks its public works employees who continue to serve the community and provide expectational service to its residents.