Vacuum Leaf Truck Update: Dec. 9

Ocean Pines Public Works will operate its leaf vacuum truck beginning on the north side of Ocean Pines at St. Martins Lane and heading toward the North Gate today, Thursday, Dec. 9.

Residents should rake only ditch leaves to the roadway so they can be vacuumed. Any resident who rakes the entire yard to the roadway for vacuuming will receive a violation notice and will have 15 days from the notice to remove the leaves from the roadway. If not removed after 15 days, a contractor will be dispatched to remove the leaves and then Ocean Pines will bill the homeowner for the service.

Residents should refrain from blowing leaves directly into the ditches, as this can lead to clogging of pipes as well as difficulty in water flow.

Public Works will also collect bagged leaves and other yard debris through Dec. 17, on opposite days from Republic Services collection days.  

The department will only pick up leaves placed in paper bags that residents place curbside. Thirty-gallon paper bags are available at Public Works in bundles of five for $10.  

Republic Services will pick up paper and plastic bags on scheduled pick-up days, limit four bags of leaves per scheduled pick up. Republic Services will also accept branches tied in bundles no longer than four feet.  

Additionally, Ocean Pines residents may bring leaves and yard debris in bulk or paper bags to the Public Works yard at 1 Firehouse Lane, near the south Fire Department. The yard will be open through Dec. 30, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

The yard will be closed for drop off on Thursday, Dec. 23, Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25 because of the Christmas holiday.  

For more information, contact Public Works at 410-641-7425.