Dear All,

The leaves are beginning to show their Autumn colors and some have even chosen to fall to the ground.  I have been asked by quite a few of you about Indianapolis DPW’s Leaf Collection for this year.    This year Leaf Collection will start on Monday, November 6th, and run through Friday, December 1st.  During those 4 weeks you may put out up to 40 bags of leaves each week in addition to your normal trash.  Attached is the information sheet that DPW (Department of Public Works) has provided.  Please refer to it for more information.  Remember that until November 6th all bags, including leaves, must fit into your 96 Gallon container.  I believe you may put out two bags on heavy trash day provided those are your only two items.

Also attached is information that DPW has provided about homeowner’s responsibilities to keep the stormwater moving.  What I consider most important on this sheet is keeping trash, litter, and leaves away from the drains.  When I am out and about in our neighborhoods I notice many drains covered with debris.  Please, if you have a drain in front of your home, keep it clear so the water can flow.  If there is a drain near your home that is covered, please clear it as well.  Water can back up and when this happens it can cause safety issues and other damage.  Also, please keep the curb area in front of your home clean.  Now would be a great time to sweep that area before too many leaves fall.  Dirt and gravel can slow the flow to the drains and again cause safety issues and other damage.  If you have a neighbor who is not able to do this on their own, help them out by doing it for them.  Thanks so much for taking the time to address this issue in front of your home and in your neighborhood and keeping our storm drains moving.

Quite a few of you have inquired lately about the Tox Drop location and their hours.  The closest location to us is the one in the northern part of our district – located 7550 N. Lafayette Road.  This is just north of the 71st Street exit off of I – 65 on the west side of Lafayette Road.  They are open the first Saturday of every month (tomorrow, October 7th, is the date for this month) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  This is a great way to get rid of your lawn chemicals, paints, pesticides, cleaners, oil, and a lot of other things that are not to be thrown out in the trash.  They also accept some electronics.  More information can be found if you go to www.indy.gov/toxdrop.

I hope that this if very helpful to you as we start to rake leaves and do our Fall Cleaning.

Sincerely,

Janice McHenry
City-County Councillor District 6