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Dear Resident:
We are approaching another leaf collection season. As you
probably know, each area is scheduled for at least one pick-up
using the City’s leaf loaders between late October/early
November through mid December. The scheduled times and dates
are provided weekly to the local newspapers for advertisement
and are on our website (www.bethlehem-pa.gov).
We also return (unscheduled) to all areas at least once after
the scheduled pick-up. In addition to placing your leaves
in the street along the gutter line, just prior to the scheduled
pick-up, you can also bag them in the paper "earth bags"
available at the Theis/Cornfeld Recycling Center or the Bethlehem
Yardwaste Facility and call the City (610-865-7065) for pick-up.
City Ordinance prohibits placement of any debris including
leaves in the street, but an exception is made for the leaf
pick-up season. As an additional courtesy to our residents,
we have always continued to pick-up leaves well after the
end of the leaf pick-up season. We always strive to provide
the best service possible, but this has created numerous problems
for the City. Placement of leaves after the last scheduled
pick-up date results in unsightly streetscapes, and with the
on-set of winter and snowfall, create undesirable conditions.
Pick-up of tree leaves becomes difficult, time consuming,
and if there are minimal breaks in the weather, we end up
with leaves in gutters well into late winter/early spring.
In addition, starting in December, our resources and focus
along with those of the Department of Parks and Public Property
(who provide the leaf pick-up service in the Northeast section
of the City) must be shifted to snow and ice operations.
There should be no placement of leaves in the street gutter
area after December 25th. You can of course continue to bag
leaves and call the City for pick-up after this date. Placement
of leaves in the street after December 25th is subject to
fines and penalties in accordance with Article 721 of the
Codified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem.
We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and look forward
to providing you with the best service possible. If you have
any questions, or would like to provide us with feedback,
please call my office at 610-865-7050.
Sincerely,
Michael Alkhal, P.E.
Director of Public Works
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Leaf
Collection 
