City News

Storm cleanup: City of Boulder and Western Disposal partner to provide an additional branch pick-up service

With the significant tree limb damage caused by the recent winter storm, the City of Boulder and Western Disposal are partnering to help community members dispose of downed tree branches.

Starting Monday, Oct. 31, Western Disposal will provide one extra pickup of branches that are left out for curbside compost collection.

• Branches left at the curb must be no longer than six feet and no bigger than six inches in diameter.
• Place branches and tree limbs at the curb before your regular compost collection day.
• They will be picked up once within the next two weeks (Oct. 31 to Nov. 11).
• Western will NOT be picking up branches from alleys.  They must be placed curbside.
• Please keep bike lanes free of debris when placing your branches at the curb.

This service is being provided in response to the extreme conditions caused by the recent storm.  Following this special pickup, residents can continue to place tree branches and leaves out on their regularly scheduled compost pickup days throughout the year. After this additional branch collection, residents must bundle their branches as normally required.

Drop-off site:

Community members may continue to bring leaves or branches to the Yard Waste Drop-off Center located at Western Disposal, 5880 Butte Mill Road. The drop-off center’s hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The drop-off center is free for city residents; there is a small charge for commercial yard wastes. For more information on the Yard Waste Drop-off site, visit www.westerndisposal.com.

Ongoing curbside compost options:

City residents may continue to compost tree branches, leaves and other yard waste throughout the year by:

• Using trash hauler-provided compost carts for as much yard waste as will fit;
• Bundling branches, using twine or other natural rope, and placing up to three bundles, each one no larger than six feet long by three feet in diameter, beside their compost carts on collection days; and
• Placing leaves or branches in fully compostable paper or starch-based bags beside compost carts on collection days.

Additionally, customers may request larger compost carts on an annual or seasonal basis; or request an additional individual pickup for an extra fee. Contact your trash hauler for more information on the curbside compost collection services available.