Brush, limb collections set

The annual brush and limb collection period has begun and will be continue through February. There is a schedule for the collection and it depends on where in the city you reside. For those resident who live north of Lerdo Highway, the collection periods are Dec. 1-15, Jan. 1-15 and Feb. 1-15. For those who live south of Lerdo Highway, the periods are Dec. 16-31, Jan. 16-30 and Feb. 16-28.

There are additional restrictions for this year. State guidelines are becoming stricter so the requirements for brush and limbs eligible to be picked up have been changed.

Starting this year, all leaves must be in a pile separate from limbs. The piles of limbs or leaves can be no longer in length than 10 feet. The piles can be in public streets only, not in alleyways. Stumps or limbs must be 1 foot wide or smaller,and all piles must have at least two feet of space in between them.

You cannot have limbs and leaves mixed in in the same pile. Also, if you have more than one type of tree on your property, the limbs must be separated into the different kinds of trees. Your limbs and leaves cannot interfere with foot or vehicle traffic or street drainage.

The reason for the changes are stricter requirements from the state, Lynda Martin of American Refuse said at a recent City Council meeting. "The changes are necessary because the state guidelines are becoming stricter as far as the diversion of the different items. We will be working with the city and the residents to prepare them for these changes."

In addition to the change in the brush and limb collections, there are also changes down the road when it comes to what can be thrown into trash. In the future, there will be different colored containers for green waste, recyclable paper products, household trash, etc.

Each container will be diverted to a different facility for recycling, which in the end will lessen the gases and emissions that will result in our air. Martin and her crew have been working with local organizations, businesses and schools in helping them reduce their amount of waste that goes into the landfill. With the diversion tips that Martin has given, the amount of waste has dramatically lessened. The City of Shafter will be sending information to its residents well before the changes come.