Free Leaf Drop-Off Event Nov. 18 In Wilsonville

WILSONVILLE, OR — In three weeks, Wilsonville residents will able to take all the Fall leaves they've raked up to the city's free Leaf Drop-Off Day event at City Hall.

Between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Wilsonville Public Works crews will be stationed at the City Hall parking lot, 29799 S.W. Town Center Loop East, to accept residents' leaves. Only leaves, no other yard debris, will be accepted, city officials said, noting a recommendation that all leaf drop-offs be brought in paper bags, not plastic, for easier recycling.

The service is free, officials said, though donations to Wilsonville Community Sharing — the city's food bank operator and social services referral agency — will be accepted.

"This is a great opportunity for residents to properly dispose of leaves that pile up this time of year and at the same time help out a great local non-profit partner of our community," City Manager Bryan Cosgrove said in a statement.

In preparation for the event, city officials ask residents to clear leaves from nearby storm drains and avoid raking leaves into the street.

"Leaves clog storm grates and pipes that contribute to back-ups and/or flooding," said Angela Handran, assistant to the City Manager. "Leaves reduce flow when accumulating in pipes. Excess accumulation of leaves on city streets also causes a safety problem for motorists whose tires may slip."

Residents with lots of leaves that can't wait three weeks for disposal can use their yard debris carts that are collected weekly by Republic Services, the city's contracted garbage service. However, because of how heavy the yard debris carts can become when overloaded with wet leaf mulch, officials advise residents to take advantage of the Nov. 18 leaf drop-off event — which is part of Republic Services' contract with the city.

"Republic Services will haul-off your leaves for free and transport them to a composting facility to be repurposed as nutrient-rich soil for local gardens and flower beds," Republic Services Operations Manager Frank Lonergan said.

For more information on leaf collection, call Republic Services Customer Service at 503-682-3900.

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