Spring is around the corner, and the City of Washington is preparing for yard waste collection.

Curbside yard waste collection starts March 17th. Yard waste will be collected west of 2nd Avenue on Thursdays and east of 2nd Avenue on Tuesdays. The routes will come to a close on the week before Thanksgiving.

The City allows standard, biodegradable, self-standing yard waste bags. They must not exceed 50 pounds. Tree trimmings, brush and twigs will be collected if properly bundled. Tied bundles of trimmings shall be collected if bundles do not exceed 75 pounds, 18 inches in diameter and five feet in length. The bundles should be tied with biodegradable twine or string. Branch size should not exceed five inches in diameter. A maximum of three bundles will be collected per collection day. Larger quantities of branches are considered commercial and are the responsibility of the owner.

Residents are allowed to carefully burn dry leaves and twigs on their private property only. City ordinance prohibits the burning of any trash, garbage, and green or damp yard waste.

Residents are welcome to haul and dispose of their yard waste and brush at the Yard Waste Center located next to the Waste Water Treatment Plant at 1065 West Buchanan Street. The center does not accept any type of building materials or other debris. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.