CITY TO BEGIN LEAFE PICKUP PROGRAM SOON

The city public works department begins its annual leaf pickup program next week on the city's south side. Leaves there will be picked up during the week of Nov. 6 before crews move to other areas around the city.

The service has been offered in Cape Girardeau since the 1960s. It does not cost residents any additional charges beyond the usual charges for utilities and trash service.

However, it could become obsolete if the city's equipment doesn't hold up. The trucks and equipment used to pick up the leaves are more than 30 years old. Crews only pass through a pick-up zone once. Other trips are possible, depending on how well the machines work

The trucks have a vacuum that sucks up the leaves so they can be hauled to mulching areas. Leaves should be raked to the edge of the pavement or the curb line but not into the street.

Pickup has been scheduled for six zones in the city and is set through mid-December. Last year the city hauled away more than 530 loads of leaves during the collection program.

Bagged leaves are not accepted. Residents, however, can drop off their leaves and compost at the city's compost area on Third Street just off La Cruz Street. The compost area is open from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The city will accept leaves at the compost area until Dec. 22.

State law prohibits leaves in landfills, so residents are encouraged to mulch or compost the leaves if possible. Most of the leaves will be hauled to property owned by area residents who have requested the leaves for mulching. Some of the leaves will be stored for city residents to use as compost.