As predictable as the turning of the seasons, Vancouver and Clark County’s free fall leaf disposal program has started once again.
The program, which runs through Dec. 20, is available to Vancouver or Clark County residents only. Only leaves — not other yard debris — may be disposed of as part of the free program, and a leaf coupon is required, the city said in a news bulletin.
Residents can find the coupons in a variety of locations, including at many city of Vancouver offices, in the October Curbside Recycling Newsletter and on the city of Vancouver Solid Waste Services’ website at www.cityofvancouver.us/solidwaste.
Leaf coupons are also available at the designated free leaf disposal sites:
• H & H Wood Recyclers, 8401 N.E. 117th Ave. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, except Thanksgiving Day.
• McFarlane’s Bark, 8806 N.E. 117th Ave. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Thanksgiving and every Sunday in November and December.
• West Van Materials Recovery Center, 6601 N.W. Old Lower River Road. Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sunday and Thanksgiving Day.
Every year, Vancouver Public Works crews clean each of the city’s 13,000-plus catch basins or stormwater drains. In the process, they remove approximately 500 tons of leaves, sediment and other debris. Street sweepers can only push the leaves around, not vacuum up all the leaves.
Property owners are responsible for managing the leaves from their trees. Leaves should not be raked or blown into the street, where they can create problems for others, the city said. Other options include using leaves as mulch around trees or flower gardens, or subscribing to Waste Connections Inc.’s yard debris collection services at www.wcnorthwest.com or 360-892-5370.
