The Mishawaka Street Department will begin the city’s annual fall leaf pick-up program on Monday, Oct. 19.

Leaves will be picked up each week the day before each resident’s regular trash pick-up day. For example, if a resident’s trash pick-up day is on Wednesday, the Mishawaka Street Department will pick up leaves from that residence on Tuesday. Those with a Monday trash pick-up day will have their leaves picked up on Friday.

Mayor Wood states, “As in years past, residents can expect at least six passes through their neighborhood during the fall leaf pick-up. This is a successful program that the City of Mishawaka has been able to offer to its residents for over 30 years due to strategic planning and budgeting. It is yet another example of the world-class service that Mishawaka residents are indeed fortunate to receive. Even if we have inclement weather, the Mishawaka Street Department is prepared to provide this weekly service with little or no interruption.”

Leaves should be raked to the edge of the curb and should be free of branches, twigs, stones or similar foreign objects which can damage equipment and delay leaf pick-up. Residents are encouraged not to rake leaves into the street immediately after a vacuum unit has passed through an area because the vacuum will not return until the next scheduled pick-up date. Meanwhile, leaves on the curb may clog sewer inlets or blow back into yards or streets.

Leaves may always be bagged and put out with your weekly trash pick-up. Brush may continue to be taken to the Mishawaka Recycling Center, 1105 East Fifth Street, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday if you are a City of Mishawaka resident.

The leaf collection program will continue through Friday, Dec. 4. Any questions about the program can be answered by calling Street Commissioner Tim Ryan at the Mishawaka Street Dept. 258-1660.