2022 Leaf Program a success

2022 Leaf Program a success

leaf truck

The return of the Sikeston Leaf Program proved to be a success.

For years the city had a leaf program where the city’s vacuum truck would pick up resident’s leaves around the city. However, the truck broke down and was unable to be fixed.

After years without a leaf program, the City of Sikeston was able to purchase a new leaf vacuum truck with American Rescue Act Funds at a cost of $197,953.65. With the new truck available, Sikeston instituted the 2022 Fall Leaf Program that began Nov. 7 and ended Dec. 22.

“We did pretty good,” said Darren Martin, Sikeston street supervisor. “We probably didn’t pick up the volume that we did 10 years ago when people were used to it. But I think that total will increase in the next few years.”

Martin said the new truck picked up 76 loads, which is 760 cubic yards of leaves.

The old truck took six men to man, but the new truck takes just one, making it much more efficient.

One of the issues with the old truck was items getting sucked up into the machine, causing a clog or damage. Martin said with the new truck there were just a few times they had to stop picking up the leaves because of debris and trash being mixed in with the piles.

“We called (a couple) people and explained the situation. Then they fixed it, and we went back and picked up their leaves,” Martin said.

While the program ended last week, the truck will still be used throughout the winter and spring to help clean out gutters on city streets.

“Leaves are hard on the street sweeper and cleaning them out with the truck will help the city’s storm water program,” Martin said.