Cape Girardeau leaf collection program starts next month

The City of Cape Girardeau's annual leaf collection program will begin on Nov. 7.

Residents will have four options for disposing of leaves, according to information distributed by the city government. The first will be a curbside loose leaf pick up program. In this program, Cape Girardeau will be divided into four zones. Each zone will have a designated start date. Residents can rake loose leaves to their curb before the start date for their zone. Public works crews will vacuum up the leaves according to a timeline per zone. The curbside leaf program begins Nov. 7 and runs through Dec. 20. For zone information visit www.cityofcapegirardeau.org.

The second option will be for residents to haul their own leaves for free to the holding area on Third Street, off LaCruz Street. The holding area is open Monday to Dec. 23. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The third option will be to purchase compost bags from city hall, public works, Schnuck's or Food Giant. Residents can then call public works at 339-6351 to arrange a Wednesday pick up.

The fourth will be for residents to mulch the leaves back into their yard.