Milwaukee DPW busy clearing 15,000 tons of leaves from city streets

MILWAUKEE — To say fall is a busy time for the Milwaukee Division of Public Works crews is an understatement.

Every autumn, they gather a mean of 15,000 tons of leaves and yard particles from streets all throughout town.

For the previous 27 years, DPW driver-worker Bert Revels has been amassing leaves from residential streets on town’s north aspect. From inside a trackless loader, Revels will get to see the sheer variety of leaves that fall every autumn.

Revels stated this is the time of yr the place he works additional time. He stated it varieties a fall-induced sense of camaraderie amongst his coworkers.

“You see a lot of one another, you spend extra time right here than at residence,” stated Revels. “It’s prolonged hours. I’m with my accomplice, with the boss. We work so intently collectively and see a whole lot of one another.”

DPW Sanitation Providers Supervisor Rick Meyers oversees leaf assortment. Meyers stated it’s a giant activity on prime of often scheduled trash and recycling assortment. Meyers stated after the particles is loaded on vehicles, it’s despatched to compost.

“They go to a contractor that composts them and, together with yard waste from everywhere in the area, turns it into varied soil merchandise they promote in bulk or bagged, merchandise individuals can discover at their native {hardware} shops,” defined Meyers.

Revels stated most individuals who see DPW crews working are form and grateful.

“Among the residents, they’re nice individuals. They may come out and provide you with a soda or water,” stated Revels.

Nevertheless, Revels additionally stated he needs to be cautious of people that drive too quick close to public works crews. That’s why he urges drivers to watch out when driving close to crews which are working.

As well as, Meyers stated taking easy steps, like pushing leaves a foot past the curb and avoiding parking close to leaf piles, could make the job simpler and extra environment friendly for these tasked with clearing the leaves. ​

Milwaukee residents have till Nov. 15 to rake leaves into the road for assortment.