The City of Bloomington is reminding residents to keep drains free of leaves, grass clippings and trash as a way to prevent flooding, erosion and adverse effects on the ecosystem.
According to a city press release, any leaves gathered in leaf bags and placed outside of Bloomington residents’ properties can be picked up biweekly without charge from Nov. 4 to Dec. 19. Biodegradable and paper bags are acceptable. Plastic and other non-biodegradable bags are not.
Leaves can also be vacuumed if piles are close to the curb and not on the road, around fire hydrants or blocking drains. Residents get one vacuum pickup during this timeframe, the schedule of which will be available online.
The free-of-charge pickup does not include other yard waste. Other yard waste can be picked up in 40-pound or less bags for $1 per bag, which will be added to the resident’s utility bill, according to the release.
All yard waste must be set out by 5 a.m. on the curb to be collected.
Other ways residents can help are regularly removing waste from the surface of a storm drain next to their property and participating in the Adopt-a-Drain program, where they keep storm drains clear.
