TROY, N.Y. – The City of Troy Department of Public Works today encouraged residents to bag their leaves and yard waste for collection in paper bags. Collecting bags instead of clearing the road of loose foliage raked into the street is more efficient for the city workforce, allowing the City of Troy to address more potholes and get more done before the season’s first snowfall.
“Bagging your leaves allows the City of Troy to more efficiently use its resources to improve our neighborhoods and mitigates the road hazards presented by wet leaves; it comes down to being a good neighbor,” said Mayor Wm. Patrick Madden. “I thank our workforce for all they’re doing to prepare our neighborhoods for the winter months ahead, and our residents for their partnership and cooperation in this citywide effort.”
Leaves must be placed in brown recyclable paper leaf bags. Leaves will be collected on residents’ normal collection day and pickup will continue through either the first snowfall or the first week of December; whichever comes first.
Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be collected. Bags containing dirt, sand, rocks, sod or other such materials will not be collected. Brush should not be placed in leaf bags.
Residents are reminded to not rake leaves into the street. This can block street drainage infrastructure during rain events and cause flooding.
Wet leaves also make roads more slick and thus, less safe. The National Highway Safety Administration has the following tips for safer driving during autumn months:
Reduce speed. If you’re going slower, you’ll have more time to stop.
Maintain a healthy distance between you and the driver in front of you, in case that vehicle skids on leaves.
Clean off your vehicle. Before starting the engine, clean any leaves off the windshield, top of the car and hood.
Ensure your tires have good tread, which helps channel water away from the tires. Less water means more traction.
For more information about yard waste collection, visit troyny.gov/yard-leaf-waste.
Yard waste collected in paper bags may be composted. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be collected.
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