October 17, 2024 3:20 a.m.

Roseburg Public Works will offer leaf collection service for homeowners starting later this month.

A city release said from the week of Monday, October 28th through Friday, January 3rd, Public Works crews will pick up leaves from residents inside the city limits. Dump trucks of free leaves may soon be available for those needing mulch.

Public Works crews follow a cyclical, systematic route to help residents with leaf disposal and to ensure leaf collection is provided in an effective, cost-controlled program that helps keep leaves out of storm drains, creeks and rivers. Last year, Public Works picked up 872 cubic yards of leaves – equal to 87 standard dump truck loads.

Weekday leaf pickups begin in the Laurelwood neighborhood west of downtown Roseburg the first week, then will move west to the West Harvard Avenue area. From there, collections go in a clockwise direction, ending in the Mill-Pine Historic District.

Each cycle through Roseburg’s neighborhoods takes about a month, depending on the quantities of leaves picked up. The route is repeated throughout the roughly two-month collection program. Residents can see route updates on the Public Works Departments leaf pickup website: https://www.cityofroseburg.org/departments/public-works/leaf-program. They can also call 492-6730.

Residents who opt into city collection must pile leaves neatly on the edge of their property or on the street in front of their property and away from the curb prior to being picked up. Other tips for the leaf collection program:

*Make sure leaf piles are free of debris such as branches and rocks, and not piled near parked vehicles

*Keep street gutters, ditches, bike lanes and catch basins free of leaves

*Public Works crews will not pick up any items except leaves that have been raked and piled up

*Residents are responsible for any hazards they create for others by the placement of their leaves

*Leaves piled in the city’s right-of-way are responsible for keeping drainage structures clear of leaves during rainstorms until leaves can be picked up.

For those who want leaves, the Public Works Department can deliver dump truck loads of free leaves to anyone within the city limits, depending on the scheduling and available quantities. The minimum amount that will be delivered is about 8 cubic yards, or roughly one dump truck load. Sign up to get leaves delivered or get more information by contacting the Public Works Department at 492-6730 or via email at: pwd@citofroseburg.org