Sanitation Seasonal Leaf Collection
BY JOHN J. DOHERTY, COMMISSIONER OF SANITATION

All throughout the year we have the privilege of witnessing nature's rite of renewal, growth and transformation. We watch this annual cycle occur on trees in parks around the city and on our own streets. In spring, tender shoots give way to bright green leaves that provide much needed shade in the summer months. In the fall, these leaves turn into magnificent shades of red and gold, until they dry up and fall to the ground.

And then comes the transformation when these fallen leaves can be turned into compost-that crumbly, earthy material that looks and feels like potting soil. Compost is what we use in our parks and yards to improve soil quality, increase plant growth and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and watering.

This year, after raking fallen leaves from your yards and removing them from your gutters, sidewalks and catch basins, you can put them out for collection so they may be turned into compost as part of Sanitation's NYC Compost Project.

Here's how Queens residents in designated neighborhoods can participate. Once you've gathered your leaves, you can put them out for collection either Saturday, November 18 or December 2. You can use 20 to 32 gallon containers, clear plastic bags, or better yet, special paper bags. The use of extra large, heavyduty paper bags is preferable, since paper decomposes naturally and plastic does not. Besides, removing and discarding plastic bags from leaves to be turned into com post is a costly, time-consuming proposition. Paper bags are not only environmentally friendly, but also much more cost-effective.

As part of the city's effort to promote the use of paper bags, this year only, five free paper bags will be distributed to each Queens household in designated communities. Or, if you received Sanitation's informational flyer featuring a coupon for five free paper bags you can pick them up from the Queens Botanical Garden Compost Office, Main Street, Flushing from through November 30 (while supplies last). You'll need to present the mailer coupon to get the free bags.

Meanwhile, you should have received a phone message with information about the upcoming Leaf Bag Promotion Program and retailers where these paper bags can be purchased. Paper bags can also be purchased in 30-gallon sizes from participating retailers, such as hardware and home-improvement stores. If you've not yet received your free paper bags, call 311.

Whether you choose clear plastic bags or paper bags, do not use black or any other dark plastic bags they must be saved for curbside pick up on November 18 and December 2.

Be a part of Sanitation's NYC Compost Project, a great way to do something positive for the environment and a great opportunity to teach children how the fallen leaves from their backyard, once turned into compost, will return to the soil from which they came and will nourish next year's Halloween pumpkins, gardens and trees. But, most of all, how nature, the ultimate recycler, recycles.

For more information, contact 311 of visit www.nyc.gov/sanitation.