Blow ‘Em, Bag ‘Em or Rake ‘Em; Here’s How Folks In Bangor And Brewer Can Ditch Those Leaves

There's nothing quite like the beauty of fall in Maine. People come from all over to peep our leaves. And this year, it seems those colors are sticking around a little longer than they usually do (something I'm not complaining about at all!)

While many of trees still have a good deal of foliage left, the leaves are starting to make their descent, which means those with lawns and yards to think about (and gutters and storm drains) are planning on how to get rid of what's come to the ground level.

You may not escape the need to rake or blow those leaves into small piles. But what you do with those piles depends on what side of the Penobscot you live on.

If you live in the City of Bangor, the Bangor Public Works crews usually come by and collect those leaves, but you have to have them raked by a specific time and in a specific way.

According to the City's website, leaf collection in Bangor will start on Wednesday, November 5th.

"Loose leaves should be raked to the edge of the road where crews can collect them with large vacuum units. Please exercise caution to ensure that rocks, branches, yard waste, and other debris are not included in the loose-leaf piles, as they may plug the vacuum hose, damage the vacuum unit, or injure Public Works employees."

As it is most days, the Bangor Public Works facility at 530 Main Avenue is also available to accept leaves, if you'd rather bag them and transport them yourself.

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Across the river in Brewer, they do things a little differently. According to their website, leaf collection for Brewer residents begins Monday, November 15th.

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"Only leaves in biodegradable bags will be collected curbside. Leaves in non-biodegradable bags or piled loose will not be picked up during the curbside leaf pickup. Large twigs, branches, dirt, rocks or trash mixed in with the bagged leaves will not be accepted; however, other small plants and garden waste may be mixed in with the leaves."

Folks can also head to 406 Elm Street, the Brewer Recycling Center, and deliver their leave and yard waste if they'd rather do that.

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Most areas in town still have quite a few leaves left on their trees, so I imagine it will be a little while before everyone's got their yards cleaned up. But at least you now know what dates to aim for and what you need to do!