New system saves, improves leaf pickup

The debut of Cedar Rapids' new leaf pickup service looks like a winner for residents, the environment and the city budget - so far. That's a far cry from talk in recent years of scrapping the pickup service.

The city council took some flak in approving purchase of 10 specialized vacuum trucks at a cost of $133,500 each. But the cutting-edge equipment generally performed well this fall, and it's saving some money.

Before then, leaf pickup had been shortened to a four-week period and city crews used end loaders to scoop leaves out of the street and into dump trucks.

The new system brings benefits, including:

l Pickup period was expanded to 10 weeks and service was weekly - the same day as garbage collection - instead of a couple of times each fall.

l The volume of leaves getting into storm sewers was dramatically reduced because residents rake their leaves near the curb, instead of into the street. That should help improve water quality in waterways and meet federal regulations.

l Only one person is needed to operate each truck; labor savings was estimated at $57,000.

l Tipping fees at the landfill should drop because the shredding action of the vacuum's impeller allows for compaction.

l Compliance by residents was largely good; no fines were issued.

Customers are paying an additional 25 cents per month to help cover the cost of the trucks, and most apparently like the new service. Mark Jones, superintendent of the city's solid waste and recycling division, told us that feedback ran more than 5 to 1 in favor of the new system. Virtually all complaints came after heavy October rains accelerated the fall of leaves and trucks couldn't keep up with the volume for a while.

OK, sometimes we have to live with Mother Nature's antics.

But what about the other 42 weeks of the year? Can these pricey trucks be put to other uses?

Jones tells us other options are being considered, such as sucking up litter along interstate highway ramps and service roads.

The vacuum trucks also might be useful to Linn County. Last year, county officials decided to ban leaf burning in a quarter-mile buffer zone ringing Cedar Rapids, Marion and Hiawatha city limits. Residents have complained.

Jones said he's told the county that, now, because the vacuum trucks have proven themselves, the city would consider providing for leaf pickup in the buffer zone for a fee.

No reply yet from county supervisors, who last month said they weren't interested in purchasing a vacuum truck.

That's understandable, given the recession and squeeze on all government budgets. Meanwhile, this may be an opportunity for the city and county to jointly solve a service issue and cut costs. They should talk.