Leaf collection by the city of Clinton will begin on a weekly basis starting Oct. 15 and extending for five months through March 15. During that span, city crews will make all efforts to collect loose leaves on the normal day of collection for garbage and trash. (Courtesy photo)

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Leaf collection by the city of Clinton will be in full swing starting this Monday, Oct. 15, and extending on a weekly basis for the next five months.

The leaf collection will continue weekly through March 15, during which time city crews will make all efforts to collect loose leaves on the normal day of collection for garbage and trash. If they do not complete a daily route on the normal collection day, crews will resume collections on the same route the following day.

Public Works and Utilities Department employees will run additional leaf collections during the final week of March, April and May. The city has encouraged residents to place loose leaves at the curb line or within 8 feet of the edge of pavement.

Due to landfill regulations, bagged leaves are no longer acceptable for collection. It also is important to separate tree limbs, shrubs or any other materials from the bulk leaf piles so automated vacuum trucks may perform collections in a timely manner, city officials said.

Along with the kickoff of leaf collection season, Oct. 15 will mark the beginning of the weeklong, citywide Fall Clean Up Week that extends through Oct. 19.

During the week, regular trash collection practices are suspended so city crews can pick up items not normally collected. Items that cannot be processed at the Sampson County Landfill or are hazardous to city staff still will not be accepted.

Items able to be collected — and historically placed by curbs citywide in past cleanup weeks — include various pieces of furniture and appliances such as chairs, televisions, couches, washers and dryers, refrigerators, mattresses and box springs, air conditioners, freezers and dishwashers. A maximum of four tires per home and tree limbs no larger than 6 inches in diameter and 5 feet long will also be accepted.

While numerous types of items could be picked up, there are a few exceptions.

Those exceptions, which cannot be processed at the landfill, include car batteries, oil-based paints, motor oils and insecticides, as well as demolished homes and sheds, auto parts, gasoline and other substances that present sticky or hazardous situations for those collecting and handling them.

For additional information on leaf collection or Fall Clean Up, contact the Public Works and Utilities Department at 910-299-4905.

Chris Berendt can be reached at 910-592-8137 ext. 121 or via email at sicrime@heartlandpublications.com.