The City of Spokane’s Street Maintenance Division is dedicated to ensuring safe and clear roads for all residents. A crucial part of this commitment is the seasonal leaf pickup service. As autumn arrives and leaves fall, the city mobilizes its teams and fleet of vehicles, including various types of pickup trucks, to remove fallen leaves from streets, preventing hazardous driving conditions and maintaining the beauty of our neighborhoods.
Spokane’s Leaf Pickup Program: Three Types of Crews
To efficiently manage leaf removal across different areas of the city, Spokane utilizes three distinct types of crews, each employing specialized equipment and pickup trucks suited to varying levels of leaf fall.
1. Packer Crews: Heavy-Duty Leaf Removal with Specialized Trucks
In areas experiencing very heavy leaf fall, the city deploys Packer Crews. These teams, consisting of six to seven members, use skid steers and Bobcats with large rubber tires to push leaves to the curb-line. The leaves are then gathered into designated piles at intersections. Crucially, large CAT front loaders equipped with rubber-bladed pushers and rear-loader garbage trucks, often referred to as “Packers,” are used to collect these substantial leaf piles. These packer trucks then transport the leaves to the Waste-to-Energy Plant for recycling, demonstrating an environmentally conscious approach to leaf management. Street sweepers may follow these crews to ensure thorough cleaning, although this depends on weather, time, and resource availability.
2. Clamshell Crews: Moderate Leaf Volume and Efficient Pickup Trucks
For areas with moderate to mildly heavy leaf fall, Clamshell Crews are employed. These smaller teams of two to three people utilize front-loaders with clamshell bucket attachments. These efficient machines scoop up leaf piles and deposit them into dump trucks, which then proceed to the Waste-to-Energy Plant. It’s important to note that street sweepers are not typically used with Clamshell Crews, although they may be deployed selectively in heavier leaf areas if conditions permit.
3. Hand-Pick Crews: Light Leaf Fall and Targeted Removal with Dump Trucks
In neighborhoods characterized by light leaf fall and primarily pine needles, Hand-Pick Crews are dispatched. These teams of two, operating dump trucks and equipped with hand tools like pitchforks and rakes, manually collect smaller piles of leaves and pine needles. This method allows for targeted removal in areas where heavy machinery is not necessary. Similar to Clamshell Crews, street sweepers are not standard for Hand-Pick operations but may be used selectively based on need and resources.
Legend for Spokane Leaf Pickup Progress Map, showing areas and crew types such as Packer Crew, Clamshell Crew, and Hand-Pick Crew, color-coded for easy understanding of the city’s leaf removal operations.
Important Reminders for Residents
The City of Spokane’s leaf pickup service is specifically designed for leaves that naturally fall onto streets. Residents are requested not to place leaves from their yards into the street. Yard waste collection services are available through the City Solid Waste Department, and residents can contact 311 for information on rates and schedules. Furthermore, it’s vital for residents to remove vehicles from streets during scheduled pickup times to facilitate efficient leaf removal operations by city crews and their pickup trucks.
Stay Updated with the Leaf Pickup Progress Map
To stay informed about the progress of leaf pickup operations in your neighborhood, residents are encouraged to utilize the online Leaf Pickup Progress Map. This map is updated daily and provides the most accurate information on active work areas. View Full Map
For any inquiries or further assistance, please contact Spokane311 via Spokane311.org or by dialing 311 (or 509.755.2489 for outside city limits).
This leaf pickup program, reliant on a variety of pickup trucks and dedicated crews, demonstrates the City of Spokane’s commitment to maintaining clean and safe streets throughout the fall season.
