Media Release

Leaf Removal from Yards and Streets in HRM

(Wednesday, November 12, 2008) Halifax Regional Municipality will be commencing its annual Street Leaf Clean-Up Program November 17, 2008. Leaf removal from municipal streets will be a one time only service, on a street-by-street basis, in the heavily treed areas of the former City of Halifax, and as required in the other areas of the Urban Core Boundary of HRM.

Residents are asked to place excess leaves in:
- the organics green cart,
- clear or orange plastic bags
- heavy paper bags

Bags should be placed beside your green cart for collection. Using the proper leaf collection bag helps haulers identify materials being collected and ensures the contents are transported to the correct processing facility. There is a 20 bag limit for curbside collection with a maximum weight limit of 25 kg (55 lb) per bag.

Trees in a number of areas of HRM have been affected by tar spot. Tar spot is a black mould spot on leaves. Tar spot overwinters on infected leaves that have fallen to the ground. The following spring when the new leaves start to unfold, the fungal tissue in the leaves left on the ground ripens and needle like spores are carried by the wind thereby infecting the newly unfolded leaves.
Do not mulch mow or place black spotted leaves around shrubs as the fungus will remain on your property. All leaves that are black spotted are to go in the green cart , clear or orange plastic bags or a large paper bag for collection.

In accordance with HRM's Streets By-Law No. 300, Section 43, residents shall not sweep or deposit leaves in the gutter or roadway. The potential for street flooding is greatly increased when catch basins are clogged with leaves.

If you have any questions, please call 490-4000. A complete Householders Guide for Waste Management is included in the annual HRM Citizen Calendar and on the HRM website at www.halifax.ca.

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Contact: HRM Call Centre Deborah Story
490-4000 Corporate Communications
490-6531