Rochester yard waste and compost pickups may run behind schedule through November as Priority Waste anticipates increased volumes.
The city posted the service alert on its social media account Oct. 26, saying Priority Waste crews will work weekends as needed. Residents are asked to secure bags and label containers “YARD WASTE” or “COMPOST.”
Priority Waste’s bagged collection is separate from the city’s loose-leaf pickup program, which the Department of Public Works scheduled to begin Oct. 26.
The DPW takes 10 to 14 days to cover the city, according to the city’s leaf collection page. Crews service major streets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, including Ludlow, Woodward, First Street, University, Romeo, Parkdale, Elizabeth, Diversion, South Street and Runyon.
After completing a section, crews generally finish the rest of the city before returning. Major streets are an exception.
Residents can also bag leaves for Priority Waste collection. That service ends after the first week of December, with Priority Waste setting the deadline.
For DPW collection, residents should gather loose leaves into tidy piles in the street beside the curb, clear of storm drains. Piles cannot include mulched leaves, grass clippings, pet waste, other trash or tree limbs.
Parked vehicles can prevent crews from reaching leaves. The city says crews will not make a return trip for piles they could not access because of nearby vehicles. Parking directly over leaves can also create a fire hazard.
Residents can check the city’s leaf collection page for daily crew locations, though staff absences may affect updates.
