The Leaves Are Falling Here Come Your Bags

For the fourth year in a row, the City of Yakima Refuse Division is giving away free biodegradable bags to Yakima residents as part of its Fall Leaf Collection Program.

The Refuse Division began handing out free bags on Monday, October 17th and will continue to give them away until supplies run out. The Refuse Division has about 40,000 bags to give away. Each household located within the city will be allowed a maximum of 20 bags.

“Most people really only need between 5 to 15 bags,” said Refuse Manager Nancy Fortier. “We want people to only take as many bags as they really will need so we can get them to as many households as possible.”

Bags can be picked up at the Public Works Complex (2301 Fruitvale Boulevard) Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The City’s Fall Leaf Collection Program also began October 17th and will run through early January. Refuse Division crews will be rotating between 2 designated areas within the city every other week picking up bagged leaves. Area 1 includes parts of the city that are north of Summitview Avenue between 40th Avenue and 16th Avenue, along with the rest of the city east of 16th Avenue. Area 2 is made up of the remainder of the City.

Only biodegradable bags distributed by the City will be picked up this year as part of the free Fall Leaf Collection Program. All other bags, including plastic or paper bags, need to be disposed of separately.

Fortier also encourages City residents who currently have yard waste carts to use them to dispose of leaves. People who don’t have a yard waste cart can get a special deal through the end of November. If they subscribe now, they will only pay $20.00 for a yard waste cart for the next month and a half.

More information about the Fall Leaf Collection Program and how to get the biodegradable bags can be found on the City’s website at www.ci.yakima.wa.us/services/utilities/refuse.asp <http://www.ci.yakima.wa.us/services/utilities/refuse.asp>, or by calling the Refuse Division at 575-6005.