For those that did not follow the budget process closely, the Board of Trustees enacted a budget that eliminated curbside pickup of loose leaves.  Residents will be required to bag leaves in biodegradable paper bags or open containers for collection.  Although many may view this as a significant cutback in Village services, I think it is important to point out that the budget did not make any cuts in our Department of Public Works budget, despite the change in leaf pickup method.  As you’ve probably seen over the years, picking up loose leaves required a significant amount of labor and equipment.  By only picking up leaves in bags, we will be able to better use our resources to address more pressing infrastructure issues like potholes, sidewalks, and drainage.  I personally feel that it is more important to address these pressing issues rather than mobilize large crews to chase leaves around! Please plan accordingly.

Sincerely,
Brian C. Smith
Mayor

Option #1 - Mulch Mow
A growing environmental movement is sweeping the county.  It's called Love 'Em and Leave 'Em!  Mulch mowing pulverizes leaves and feeds your lawn and garden.  More information can be found at WWW.LELENY.ORG.  Also, please attend one of the FREE mulch mowing workshops that will be held this fall.  The workshop schedule is as follows:

Irvington Public Library, 12 S. Astor Street
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Half Moon Cooperative Apartments (S. Buckhout Street on lawn area between Half Moon North and Half Moon South near the stop
Note New Date: Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
* The training originally scheduled for October 24 has been rained out.

O'Hara Nature Center, 170 Mountain Rd
Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 12:00 p.m.

Dows Lane School
Sunday, November 23, 2014 at 2:30 p.m.

Option #2 - Bag/Can
The Village of Irvington will continue to pick up leaves when collected in biodegradable paper yard waste bags or containers.  It is recommended that if you use a container, it should be open to allow the Village employee to easily determine that it is yard waste and not regular garbage. The container must be clearly marked "Yard Waste" or "Leaves".  Materials must be placed curbside and not in the roadway.  Pickup will occur throughout the week.

Option #3 - Transport
Landscapers and gardeners can transport and dispose of leaves and yard waste collected on your property.  This is highly effective for larger properties that generate large amounts of leaves and yard waste.

Collection of leaves and yard waste is governed by Chapter 178 of the Village Code entitled Solid Waste.  That Chapter was most recently modified on June 16, 2014 to eliminate the curbside pickup of loose leaves and yard waste, along with several other technical amendments to the Solid Waste code.