News and Press Releases Friday, October 21, 2022

ADA COUNTY- With cooler temperatures and rain expected this weekend, the Ada County Highway District is reminding residents to do their part to prevent localized flooding by keeping storm drains clear.

Storm drains help funnel stormwater runoff into the water system. Leaves, along with grass and other debris, can clog storm drains, leading to ponding on sidewalks, driveways and in the roadways.

ACHD asks residents to identify their nearest storm drain by checking the map on ACHD's website. If a storm drain isn't clear, residents should use a rake to clear leaves and debris away from the storm drain. This allows water to easily run down the drain. Residents should not try to remove the grates.

Neighbors are also reminded not to blow leaves into the street. These best practices, in combination with ACHD's street sweeping program, will keep neighborhoods beautiful, protect local waterways and increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

Leaf Collection and Drop-off

There are several opportunities for residents to dispose of excess leaves.

All Ada County residents can drop off leaves for free at the Ada County Landfill through December 10. More information is available on Ada County's website.

Cities in Ada County also have collection and drop-off available for residents:

• Boise: Leaves can be placed in compost carts and up to 10 leaf bags to be picked up on collection day. There are also several drop off locations for those who live in Boise.
• Meridian: Curbside leaf collection begins October 31 and lasts through November 26. Leaves should be placed in grass collection carts and up to 10 paper leaf bags. Those who live in Meridian can also drop off leaves at several drop sites throughout the city.
• Garden City: Residents can bring leaves in paper leaf bags to 207 E 38th Street through December 1. Leaf bags should be dropped in the blue Republic Services Bin. Curbside leaf collection is November 21-26, when leaves can be set out in paper bags to be picked up on trash collection day.
• Eagle: Curbside leaf collection is November 7 through December 2. Leaves should be set out in paper bags to be picked up on trash collection day. Leaves can also be dropped off at two locations for those who live in Eagle.
• Star: Curbside leaf collection is November 7-December 2. Leaves should be set out in paper bags to be picked up on trash collection day. Residents can also drop off leaves in two locations in Star.
• Kuna: Curbside leaf collection is the first two weeks of November. Leaves should be set out in paper leaf bags to be picked up on trash collection day.

Residents in need of assistance with raking may qualify for help through their city's annual raking programs. Rake Up Boise and Make Star Shine Day both take place on November 12 and Rake Up Meridian takes place November 5-20. These events connect local volunteers with qualifying community members in need of help maintaining the leaves at their residences.