This is the last week for Bismarck's free leaf pickup. The City of Bismarck says the second and final collection week runs Monday, Oct. 26 through Thursday, Oct. 29. Across the river, Mandan plans to start street sweeping Monday on the city's west end.
Wednesday also brings a prescription drug take-back event at the AgeWell Center. Here is what you need to know for each.
Bismarck: Final week of leaf collection
The city's Fall Leaf Collection notice lists two pickup weeks this fall, Oct. 19–22 and Oct. 26–29. The Garbage page notes that fall leaf collection depends on the weather.
- When: On your regular garbage day this week
- How: Put leaves in garbage containers no larger than 32 gallons, or in compostable paper bags
- Set-out time: Have containers or bags at your normal collection point by 6 a.m.
- No plastic: The city says leaves in plastic bags will not be collected
- A separate truck picks up the leaves, and the city composts them
If you miss your day, the city's Yard Waste Collection Sites take leaves, grass clippings, garden waste, corn stalks and pumpkins. Empty your leaves loose, since bags of any kind aren't allowed. Branches, sod, shrubs and food waste aren't allowed either. The page lists 17 sites, including the Cottonwood Park parking lot at Santa Fe Avenue and 12th Street, Optimist Park and the Landfill at Miriam Avenue and 52nd Street. The city notes that sites are subject to change without notice.
Bismarck: Drug take-back, Wednesday, Oct. 28
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health and the Bismarck Police Department will hold a Take Back Event on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the AgeWell Center (formerly the Burleigh County Senior Center), 315 N. 20th St.
- Accepted: Unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications. Take pills out of their packaging. Leave inhalers, liquids and creams in their original containers.
- Not accepted: Sharps, thermometers, glass, home-care or medical equipment supplies, pharmacy inventory and cancer medications. The city suggests asking your pharmacist where to safely dispose of these items.
If you can't make it Wednesday, the Attorney General's office keeps a list of permanent Take Back locations.
Mandan: Street sweeping on the west end starts Oct. 26
The City of Mandan's street sweeping schedule, updated Oct. 22, says sweepers have been out for a few weeks but plan to start Monday, Oct. 26 in the Lohstreter area on the west end and work east. The city says weather, breakdowns and emergencies can affect the schedule. If crews have to stop, they will pick up where they left off.
The city asks drivers to use caution around street sweepers. You can call Mandan Public Works at 701-667-3240 with questions.
Sources
- City of Bismarck: Fall Leaf Collection: pickup weeks and set-out rules
- City of Bismarck: Garbage: leaf collection details
- City of Bismarck: Yard Waste Collection Sites: site list and accepted items
- City of Bismarck: Drug Take Back Event: time, place and accepted items
- City of Mandan: Street Sweeping: fall sweeping start and route