What residents should know and do:
Bag and dispose of your leaves, grass clippings and yard waste properly. Do not sweep them into the street. It is illegal to push any materials, including leaves, grass clippings, dirt or other debris into the street. Property owners will be ticketed. Sweeping up excessive debris in the street slows down the process significantly, as well as the quality of the work. The street sweepers are not there to pick up large piles of leaves and debris.
Properly disposing of your yard waste protects our lakes, rivers and streams. Anything that goes down a storm drain flows directly into nearby lakes and rivers and decomposing plant materials in the water encourages the growth of harmful aquatic plants and algae.
With the Citywide Garbage Service, residents in properties with 1-4 units can opt in for annual yard waste service from their hauler, or put out compostable yard waste bags with their weekly garbage service to be collected for $3 per bag, plus tax. Visit www.co.ramsey.mn.us to find out how and where to drop off your yard waste.
Move your car when your street is posted. City crews will post temporary “no parking” signs at least 24 hours in advance before sweeping any streets, banning parking from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. the day the street is swept. Having cars off the street helps our operation run more smoothly and collecting as much debris as possible. Do not park along these streets until the signs are removed. Vehicles parked in the “no parking” zone could be ticketed and towed.
Make sure all garbage and recycling carts are not in the street. If you have curbside garbage or recycling services, only put your carts on the boulevard. Do not place them in the streets. The City is working with the recycling and garbage haulers to not place empty carts in the street.
Adopt a Drain. You can also do your part and help protect our waterways by adopting a storm drain. By keeping storm drains free of debris you help the environment, keep streets from unnecessary backups, and you will have a cleaner neighborhood. Sign up to adopt a drain at www.stpaul.gov/adoptadrain.