Published in the April 7, 2017 edition

MELROSE — The snow has melted, exposing yards across Melrose. If you find yourself doing some spring yard work over the weekend, you may be grateful to know that the DPW provides various opportunities to dispose of yard waste (leaves and brush), including curbside pickup and drop off at the DPW Recycling Center on 72 Tremont St.

Curbside pickup begins next week (the week of April 10th) and residents are also welcome to drop off yard waste at DPW during open hours (which include Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 1 through Dec. 9)

To ensure that your yard waste is picked up and that the compost process is done correctly, there are some yard waste guidelines for residents to follow:

• Yard waste includes leaves, grass and small brush under 1 inch diameter. Yard waste does not include dirt.

• To prepare yard waste to be collected curbside it needs to be placed in barrel or bag under 45 gallons and 45 pounds. Barrels need to be clearly labeled and stickers are available at 72 Tremont Street. Brown paper bags are acceptable, but yard waste in plastic bags will not be collected.

• There is a 10 barrel and/or bag maximum. The bag and barrel limits are in place for the safety of the DPW employees and the capacity of the yard waste trucks.

• Please place yard waste on the curb on your collection day by 7 a.m. (or set it out the night before, after 5 p.m.).

The calendar of yard waste pickups and other collections and events (which was mailed to all residents at the end of last year) can be viewed on the city website: https://www.cityofmelrose.org/calendars-schedules-routes/ or picked up at the DPW Resident Services Office at 72 Tremont St.

Residents can also drop off yard waste at the DPW Recycling Center at 72 Tremont St. Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through December 9. This yard waste drop off is available to Melrose residents only, not commercial vehicles. Cars must have a Recycling Center sticker on their car to enter the center. Stickers are available for free at the Resident Services Office.