Eugene residents are asked to not pile leaves in the street until collection is scheduled in their neighborhood. Leaf Collection and Delivery Season gets underway on November 7. Crews will focus on the central Eugene area first and then fan out into three zones, west, north and south starting November 14.
Piling leaves in the street too early can cause localized flooding, pollute waterways if leaf debris washes down storm drains, and create hazards for people who drive, walk, or bike. Property owners are liable for injuries or damages caused by negligent placement of leaves or other debris in the street.
City crews on Monday, October 24 will start vacuuming bike lanes. Staff will review reported public safety hazards caused by accumulations of leaves to determine the appropriate response. People should never pile or blow leaves into a bike line.
Eugene’s leaf season originated in the 1960s. Initially a basic flood control service, the leaf program also improves water quality because decomposing leaves use up oxygen that is needed by aquatic life in local streams and rivers. Removing slippery leaves from streets and sidewalks make travel safer for people driving, walking and biking.
More information, including collection schedules, safety tips, and online forms to order leaf deliveries, is available at eugene-or.gov/leaf.