TLHCA

Leaf Collection

Arlington’s Department of Environmental Services (DES) will begin leaf collection next month. Based on community feedback and extensive analysis, DES has improved our leaf collection program to better meet the needs of the community.

Leaf Collection Program Improvements
You will notice several significant changes to the program to improve service this year, which were implemented following a comprehensive review of:

* Resident feedback,
* Historical data,
* An analysis of tree canopy type and density,
* The National Weather Service Forecast, and
* The Virginia Department of Forestry Forecast.

Following last year’s collection, DES performed an analysis of predominate tree types and the amount of tree coverage in neighborhoods throughout the County. We used this information, together with our understanding when different types of trees release their leaves, to divide the County into to five  collection zones (each civic association is included in one of those zones) and to develop a revised collection schedule. The new schedule and zone system will help us better allocate collection resources and serve neighborhoods when fallen leaves are heaviest. Yet, even with all of this analysis and planning, it’s still ultimately up to Mother Nature as to when the leaves will fall.

Collection Schedule
Preparations for leaf season are underway at DES and we anticipate a very successful 2008-09 leaf season. We will continue to provide both biodegradable bag and vacuum collection services. Each Civic Association will receive two vacuum passes and weekly bag collection service.

Your support and cooperation are essential and ultimately ensure the leaf collection program’s success. Soon you will receive an information hanger on your trash cart detailing the program and signs will be posted publicizing the date when leaves need to be brought to the curb for vacuum collection. We ask residents to make note of and adhere to the published vacuum and bag collection schedules. Key dates for the 2008-09 leaf season are:

* Oct. 20 – Leaf Season Brochures Distributed on Refuse Carts
* Oct. 20- Biodegradable Bags Available
* Nov. 3- Jan.16 – Bag Collection
* Nov. 17 to Dec 31 – Vacuum Collection

Once vacuum collection starts on November 17th, DES crews will adhere to the posted collection schedule (subject to inclement weather). We encourage everyone to sign up for the leaf collection schedule list serve to keep up to date with the latest collection schedule information (www.arlingtonva.us and click on email subscriptions). When vacuum collection begins in a civic association, every home in the area will receive a vacuum pass. It is imperative that leaves are at the curb when the vacuum trucks arrive, as late rake outs lead to delays in the collection schedule. Due to efforts to improve overall program service, we will not be able to go back to collect late rake outs this year.

Each year, staff recruit and hire approximately 40 temporary employees, prepare equipment, train workers, and evaluate data to develop an effective collection schedule. Other County employees post signs, deliver bags, and provide processing and storage support. Still others manage communication updates and answer the phones. And even before the final biodegradable leaf bags are collected, many of these same employees are already working on Christmas tree collection.