As anyone traveling through the City of Buffalo has probably noticed, leaves are piling up this fall with some on the streets and lawns and others in clear plastic bags sitting at the curb.
The city has aggressively moved into collecting leaves and composting them, rather than putting them into the garbage system.
City workers come around and collect on regular garbage days, although they use equipment specifically for picking up leaves like high-lifts to take away those on the blacktop.
Public Works Commissioner Steve Stepniak tells WBFO News collection and composting is green and saves money.
"What it does it helps divert some of the material from going into the landfill, so there's a cost saving to us. Instead of paying $50 tipping fee per ton for putting it into the landfill, we like to recycle it. We're a green city and we'd like to continue that," said Stepniak.
Stepniak noted the material is eventually checked for plant nutrition value and used in parks and in community gardens around the city. He says the amount collected increases every year.
"Last year, we did 4,000 tons of yard waste recycling, including 2,500 tons of leaves. So we're looking to increase that total this year and it's been successful. Our pickup rate has been very successful and we'd like to continue all that,' said Stepniak.
Stepniak said the leaves are taken and composted at Shoshone park off Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo, as well as 1120 Seneca Street and Cazenovia Golf Course in South Buffalo. If enough leaves are collected, a fourth site might be established.
