(Washington, DC) Late leaf-fall and early snowfall are hampering collection of leaves in the District. According to DPW’s Solid Waste Administrator, Tom Henderson, autumn leaves fell from the trees approximately two weeks later than usual.

“We set our schedule based on past years’ experience,” Henderson said. “But Mother Nature has her own timetable.” As a result, collections made the first week in November were comparatively light. Subsequent weeks were much heavier.

November’s heavy rain, coupled with last week’s snowfall and forecast ice storm slowed the process. “We’ve lost about 10 days to weather,” Henderson said. In an effort to catch up, the leaf collection crews will put in extra hours, including weekends. Residents are asked to rake leaves to the curbside tree boxes or bag the leaves. Bagged leaves may be placed at the curb or at the point of regular trash collection.

DPW hires approximately 180 temporary employees for the 10-week project and assigns another 75 permanent employees to the leaf collection campaign, which should be complete by mid-January.