Palo Alto, CA -- With several storms already past, plus more rain to come, residents are encouraged to recycle storm landscape debris such as leaves, tree branches and limbs and keep streets and storm drains clear to decrease flooding potential.

"It's a temptation to just sweep leaves into the street, but that will just clog up storm drains and increase the chances of localized ponding. Residents are encouraged to sweep up debris and put it into appropriate containers for curbside pick up or take it to the Landfill, and ask their gardeners to do the same," said Dave Aro, who supervises the City's street sweeping crews. "Some residents may not even be aware that it is a violation of the Municipal Code to place any debris in the street."

Residents are encouraged to recycle their landscape debris. "We have a system in place to collect green waste at the curbside of residences. These materials will be collected on the regularly assigned refuse collection day," according to Clark Akatiff, Landfill Supervisor.

It is recommended that materials be contained by one of the following methods for easier pick up.

• Put green waste into an unlined container such as a garbage can. The green waste will be emptied and the can left at the curbside.
• Use the disposable 30-gallon Kraft paper bags, which can be purchased at local hardware stores, for green waste.
• If residents use disposable cardboard boxes, the box and its contents will be removed.
• Securely bundle branches in lengths no longer than 4 feet and less than 40 pounds in weight.

There is no limit to the amount of green waste materials that can be collected, and there is no additional charge to the resident. "We'd appreciate all the cooperation we can get from residents and everyone can help by not placing their debris in the street," said Aro, "especially since curbside pick up is available."

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