PORTLAND, Ore. — Leaf Day service in Portland is officially underway. It kicked off on Saturday, Nov. 9, and runs through December.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation's (PBOT) annual program cleans up leaves from major roads across 53 districts, keeping streets and storm drains clear.
"We are not able to provide street sweeping on residential streets citywide anymore with budget cuts," said PBOT spokesperson Dylan Rivera.
Portland residents who live in areas that still have leaf service should be aware of the pickup schedule and pay attention to street signs. Parking on the street during Leaf Day could get your car towed.
"We provide notice in advance. We've sent more than 30,000 fliers in the mail to addresses throughout the leaf districts," Rivera said.
PBOT crews encourage people in leaf service areas to help pile leaves onto the street to prevent clogged street drains or slick surfaces.
"It's best to keep those leaf piles about one foot from the curb and that will help equipment get the cleanest sweep possible," Rivera said.
Crews haul away 7,400 tons of leaves that then go to PBOT's Sunderland Yard facility to make compost.
With the exception of Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, PBOT crews will be working right up to Christmas. Portland residents can sign up for leaf service notifications online.
Don't know if you're in a leaf pickup district? The interactive map below and here shows the boundaries of the program. You can search your home or business address in the search box to find out if you're in a leaf pickup district.
