KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — An annual program allowing residents to leave out yard waste for pick-up is set to begin in May after being postponed because of COVID-19.
The City of Kalamazoo has announced that the spring clean-up program will start on May 4th, during which homeowners and renters can leave yard trimmings, brush, and leaves from last fall on their curb to be transported away by city services. Twigs and trimmings must be no longer than four feet in length and two inches in diameter.
Large branches, limbs, rocks, bricks, dirt, and loose piles of leaves are not eligible by the city for pick-up. Residents are asked to use biodegradable bags, cardboard boxes, and twine wrappings to hold the material along their street before it is collected.
Kalamazoo has also announced that it will run its monthly brush pick-up program from June through October.
Residents can find the scheduled brush pick-up day for their street by searching the collection schedule on the city’s website.
The city is requiring residents to follow certain guidelines for the program:
- Brush must be either bundled with twine (no metal), placed in open boxes or placed in biodegradable brown paper waste bags (brush in plastic bags will not be collected).
- Brush must be no larger than 4 feet long or 2 inches in diameter.
- Keep brush separate from bulk trash items. Brush mixed with grass clippings, leaves, or any other yard waste will NOT be accepted.
- Place items intended for collection at or near the curb lawn no earlier than 6:00 a.m. on the day before the scheduled pick up, and no later than 7:00 a.m. the day of the scheduled pick up.
Leaves are not accepted as part of Kalamazoo’s monthly bush program. Leaf pickup is offered every fall between October and December, and are also accepted during the spring clean-up program.
The spring clean-up program normally takes place during April but was postponed due to the stay-at-home executive order that halted all non-essential city services.
Those looking to report a missed brush collection can call city services at (269) 337-8215 or fill out an online form within two business days of the scheduled collection date.
