Leaf Collection Begins in Westport

The town has begun conducting its annual curbside leaf collection program on streets through Westport this week.

The curbside collection period will extend from this week through Dec. 2, according to Westport Public Works Director Stephen Edwards.

“Any leaves placed on the curbside during this period in biodegradable paper bags will be collected by the Westport Public Works Department,” said Edwards. “Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be picked up as the compost process can not handle plastic bags.”

Residents living on private roadways must place their bagged leaves at an intersecting town roadway.

Public Works crew will pick up throughout the entire town several times during the collection period. A final pass will be initiated on Dec. 2, and take approximately one week. Any properly bagged leaves put out before Dec. 2 will be collected.

Edwards said the town requests that homeowners consider the feasibility of backyard composting and suggests that they contact the Conservation Department or Earthplace for relevant information.

“The ease and cost savings of backyard composting provides a viable alternative to either carting the leaves to the Town Yard Waste Site or filling of paper bags for the town's curbside pickup,” he said.