A sure sign of spring: Yardwaste collection begins again in Fort Collins

• Fort Collins’ yardwaste collection begins April 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
• Residents can opt out of the city’s yardwaste program and choose their own hauler for an additional fee.
• Residents can dispose of one yardwaste cart per household, with the option to purchase additional carts for a monthly fee.

Ready to get rid of the last of autumn’s leaves that have spent the winter at your house?

Yardwaste collection begins in Fort Collins this week for anyone who hasn’t opted out of it under the city waste collection program.

Just pull out your green bin, fill it up with your yardwaste and set it out on the curb for pickup on your trash day.

The city has contracted with Republic Services for waste collection across the city, specifically at single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-units of seven or fewer.

Residents can opt out and choose their own hauler, however, while paying an opt-out fee.

Reidents can also opt out of yardwaste collection, in most cases, and save $5 per month on their bill.

What can go into yardwaste carts?

• leaves
• lawn mowing trimmings
• garden waste
• untreated wood, twigs
• small branches (under 3” in diameter and short enough to fit with the lid closed)

Here’s what should not go into the yardwaste bin: paper or plastic bags, food scraps, treated wood or any nonorganic material.

How much yardwaste can I set out?

Enough to fill your yardwaste can, which is either 65 gallons or 95 gallons, depending on what you selected at the time you ordered the cart.

Prior to the city contract, Republic customers could set out their green cart plus one other can of yardwaste for no additional charge. But that extra can is not part of Republic’s service under the Fort Collins contract. However, you can sign up for additional yardwaste carts for a $15 monthly pickup fee by calling 970-416-2012.

When does yardwaste get picked up?

On your trash day, from April 1 to Nov. 30.

Spring cleanup and pollinators

Recent warm days have many people ready to start working in their yards — raking, pruning and clearing.

But dead leaves and plant matter in your yard could be sheltering pollinators.

If this is a concern, wait until later this spring to do your yard cleanup, when daytime temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees or once the blooms have faded on fruit-bearing trees.

If it isn’t realistic to wait, you can leave parts of your yard untouched while others get cleaned up, according to a recommendation from conservation nonprofit Resource Central.