October 20th, 2010
Contact: Brian Pugh
Waste Reduction Coordinator
Fayetteville Solid Waste and Recycling
479-718-7685
Fayetteville AR– Each fall Fayetteville experiences a large volume of leaf waste which can cause some problems for homeowners. The City receives numerous calls to use the street sweeper to remove the leaves. The City of Fayetteville does not remove leaves curbside with the use of the City’s street sweeper as this equipment was not designed to collect and remove leaves for yardwaste disposal. Depositing leaves in the street could result in clogged storm drains which, in turn, could lead to flooding of personal property. Also, it is illegal for the City to dispose of yardwaste in an Arkansas landfill.
Homeowners have the responsibility to properly manage leaves in accordance with the City rules regarding yardwaste removal. The City has a composting program that collects leaves and other properly-prepared yardwaste weekly as part of the normal solid waste collection program. The material is then used as feedstock for the City’s composting program. Leaves must either be placed in 30 gallon paper bags, which can be purchased at local retail stores, or in unlined trash cans properly marked “yardwaste” if the customer chooses to participate in the yard waste collection program. Plastic biodegradable bags are not approved by the City and should not be used for collection with the composting program. Collection occurs the same day as normal Solid Waste collection and must be placed curbside by 5:00 a.m.
The Composting facility is also available for residents to bring the leaves in for composting. There is no charge to bring in leaves for Fayetteville residents. Leaves must be emptied out of plastic bags if brought to the site. The Compost Facility is located at 1708 S. Armstrong Ave. in southeast Fayetteville right next to the Animal Shelter.
Other options for disposal of leaves include “backyard composting.” Information on “backyard composting” is available from Brian Pugh at 718-7685 or [email protected]. Thank you so much for your community effort to properly dispose of leaves and keep our waterways and gutters clean, and we wish you a wonderful fall season.
