The city’s public works department asks residents not to leave piles of leaves in the street, as they create safety hazards in the community and will not be collected on the designated pick-up days. Photo by Seth Henderson

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The City of West Sacramento’s Public Works Department is encouraging residents to keep drains clear during the fall season, providing resources to assist with the removal of organic waste. 

For no additional charge, the city is offering residents an opportunity to obtain up to four additional organic waste carts at their property if more space is needed to remove leaves and yard debris. 

Deputy city manager for the City of West Sacramento, Doug Drozd, said that the city has seen a great response from residents regarding the proper disposal of organic waste. He said that there has been a positive impact in terms of lessening the storm drain issues caused by leaf build up or other piles of organic waste. 

“What we’re trying to avoid is our drains that get backed up or clogged in the stormy season,” Drozd said. “What happens then is that if they’re backed up with the leaves, the water can pool and create localized flooding impacts, and we’re trying to avoid that as we enter the rainier season.”

According to the city’s website, residents will be able to leave paper or ASTM D6400-rated compostable bags from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 next to a full organic cart at the curb on trash collection day. Bags of leaves and organic waste are not to exceed 50 pounds. 

The city’s website states that residents’ assistance in clearing out leaves or organic waste helps keep storm drains clear and functional.

The city’s public works department asks residents not to leave piles of leaves in the street, as they create safety hazards in the community and will not be collected on the designated pick-up days. 

Drozd said property owners will be responsible for mitigating their own leaves and organic waste cleanup, but that the public works and sustainability departments are always available for residents to consult with, determining the best course of action regarding organic clean ups. 

Prunings and branches that are less than three feet long and no wider than two inches may be bundled next to the organics cart on collection day, weighing less than 50 pounds. 

Any downed trees as a result of a storm or other events are to be reported to the public works department immediately, Drozd said, as the response teams are on call 24 hours a day. 

Waste carts are to be set out on the curb by 6 a.m. on collection day at least two feet apart and about three feet from parked vehicles, according to the city’s website. 

The deputy city manager said that extra resources have been provided to residents to hopefully avoid the need for public works crews to manually unclog city storm drains, reducing the chances of flooding.

For a complete list and map of the city’s street sweeping schedule, visit https://www.cityofwestsacramento.org/home/showpublisheddocument/14677/638108465082400000.

For more information about waste management in the City of West Sacramento, visit https://www.cityofwestsacramento.org/government/departments/community-development/sustainability/solid-waste/residential-services. Waste Management can be contacted at (866) 844-1508.