Photo by Steven Lane
Fall in Colorado Springs is a lovely time of year.
But it can also be troublesome for the city’s infrastructure.
“In the next few weeks, street sweepers will begin working city roads to eliminate excess leaf build-up in streets and prevent the clogging of stormwater inlets, which can cause flooding and adversely impact water quality,” the city said in a press release. “This proactive effort helps prevent more costly emergency maintenance if drains get clogged.”
The city is also asking residents to pitch in. And they’ll have a little help from the Street Division, which is once again offering a free leaf recycling program.
Residents can drop off their leaves at the Hancock Salt Shed, 1202 E. Caramillo St., between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Nov. 19 through Nov. 30.
The other drop-off location — at the city’s recycle yard at 1845 S. Hancock Expressway — will be open only between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Nov. 3 and Nov. 10.
“Leaves will be taken to the city Street Division’s recycle yard and turned into compost, which is given away free to residents each spring,” the city said.
Hazardous materials, plastics and branches are among the items the city will not accept at the drop-off locations.
“If leaves are brought in plastic bags, the bags will need to be emptied and taken with the resident,” the city said.
Rocky Top Resources, 1755 E. Las Vegas St., also accepts leaves for recycling from homeowners, but not businesses, on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Recycling is free with a canned food donation for Care and Share, the city said.
