The City of Hillsdale’s Department of Public Services will begin its annual curbside brush and leaf collection starting on Monday. 

According to a Board of Public Utilities press release, the DPS will begin its October round of residential brush cleanup at 7:00 a.m. on Monday. 

DPS will begin two rounds of loose leaf pickup beginning Oct. 31. Scheduled pickup dates will alternate between the four wards and will last until Dec. 13. 

Brush and leaf collection is free to city residents, who are also welcome to use DPS’ brush drop-off site at 149 Water Works Ave until Nov. 15.

Sam Fry, the communications manager for the Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities, said he encourages city residents to take advantage of this free service to keep Hillsdale clean and beautiful.

“We’ve found that residents really appreciate the convenience that our curbside pickup provides, and everyone likes a city that looks clean and tidy,” he said. 

Fry said the leaf and brush collection services also serve a more practical purpose in preparing for a rainy autumn.

“Collecting the fallen leaves helps ensure they don’t find their way into the city’s storm drains, which can be quite harmful. Leaves clogging drains can make it difficult for stormwater to properly flow through and can cause street flooding,” he said. “Citizens receive a direct benefit from participating in the collections, but it also helps serve the public good.”