The service is being provided by the Ames Public Works Department in response to the new ordinance. The vacuumed leaves are shredded and redistributed on city property. An appointment is needed one week in advance to schedule the service, and commercial buildings cannot participate in the program, he said. Salvo said those not living in residential areas will be forced to use programs other than the Leaf Relief Program. However, he said he expects more participants as the fall season progresses.
Residents can drop their leaves off at the site on certain days.
She said the leaves dumped at the landfill are composted and the brush is chipped for anyone to take. Some garbage services sell bags and stickers for leaf disposal. The designated leaf bags are picked up along with the residents' other garbage, and the leaves are sent to the landfill. Iowa State composts its leaves and redistributes the mulch across campus. The City of Ames also recommends residents shred their own leaves for use as mulch.