Lowe’s on Rutgers Street has plenty of paper bags, with more on the way. They were a little difficult to find tucked in the greenhouse in front of the Christmas trees – even the clerks had a hard time finding them.
The clerk did reassure that the paper bags had heavy bottoms and would stand on their own for filling. He also said they will withstand wet weather conditions – at least to some extent.
A five-pack of 30-gallon paper bags at Lowe’s sells for $1.88 a pack. With tax each bag amounts to less then the price of a first-class postage stamp.
A new Raonoke city policy means if residents use plastic bags it could cost $50.
Thursday Roanoke city council voted 5-0 to implement “paper bag only” leaf pickup this fall. The morning briefing finalized a decision that only 30-gallon biodegradable paper leaf bags or larger will be picked up by Solid Waste Management.
By turning to paper bags, the city will save $23,000. Rockydale Quarry charges a $38 per ton tipping fee for plastic bags.
There is no limit on the number of paper bags that residents can set out for pickup. As added incentive to deter raking leaves to the curb or placing plastic bags in the city right-of-way the city will impose a fine. If plastic bags or loose leaves sit in front of a resident’s home for more than 72 hours they can expect to dole out $50 for the indiscretion.
Last year plastic bags were not allowed and though the fine was $100 if leaves were raked to the curb, the city let residents slide while getting accustomed to the new code. Don’t count on that this year.
The bags will be collected on three different days. The dates are November 15 and 29 and December 13. On those days there will be no bulk or brush pickup. There will be no brush pickup during this whole period.
Residents will receive a mailer by October 22 with a paper bag reminder and dates for pickup. Even the Civic Center Marquee will post the phone number to call for leaf collection information – (853-2000).
Neighborhood organizations are asked to help their elderly and disabled neighbors with raking and bagging.
By Valerie Garner [email protected]