Leaf Pickup Begins Next Month In Stamford

Press release from the City of Stamford:

Oct. 27, 2020

Stamford’s Leaf Pickup Program will begin November 12 this year and — as a result of now anticipated reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Tropical Storm Isaias — the City will also pickup storm debris placed alongside leaves this year.

Stamford still has not received confirmation from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for reimbursements for the cost of debris pickup requested as a result of Tropical Storm Isaias in August. However, the City now has reason to anticipate 75% reimbursement from FEMA will be approved. As a result, the City will pick up storm debris and advises residents to place storm debris alongside leaf pickup.

As in previous years, Stamford residents are asked to gather and place their leaves curbside for City crews to pick up. Leaves can be “loose” or bagged but they cannot block public roads or sidewalks. Storm debris must be separated from leaves, mixed bags or piles of leaves and debris will not be picked up. Leaf/debris piles or bags blocking roadways or sidewalks can be reported to Fix It Stamford.

Residents are strongly encouraged to consider environmentally-beneficial alternatives to leaf pickup such as mulching or composting. It is environmentally better to dispose of leaves by shredding them into lawns or flower beds, or collecting leaves in compost piles. Mulching leaves into your lawn acts as a cheap and efficient fertilizer for your yard.

The City plans to begin leaf pickup on November 12 for all households north of the Merritt Parkway, November 18 for all households between the Merritt Parkway and north of I-95, and finally December 3 for all households south of I-95. Once the City has picked up a street, the City will not go back and perform additional loose leaf pickups. To ensure your leaves are picked up, please place them curbside by the scheduled date.

City leaf pickup operations are subject to weather conditions and other factors and therefore are often delayed. In particular, Stamford’s Leaf Pickup Program will be delayed due to rain, snow, or below freezing temperatures.

The City is currently looking for seasonal laborers and drivers — some of whom may be utilized for leaf pickup this year. Hourly pay rates range from $13.50 to $25. Send applications to HRRecruiting@stamfordct.gov to inquire. More details available here.

All information about Stamford’s leaf pickup program can be found on the City’s website at www.stamfordct.gov/leafpickup.

This press release was produced by the City of Stamford. The views expressed here are the author's own.