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1. When does the DPW pick up brush?

The City is divided into 2 areas for brush pickup. Area #1 will be east of the Grand River and south of Grand River Ave (the east side), area #2 will be the rest of the city. Brush will be picked up curb side on the first and third Monday of the month for area #1, and area #2 will be picked up on the second and fourth Monday of each month. 

Brush needs to be neatly stacked with ends facing the same direction that are no longer than 8’ in length (brush piles) and no branches should be larger than 6’’ in diameter. Small branches and twigs shorter than 2’ should be bound together, placed in paper biodegradable bags, or containers that will be returned to your yard. Stumps and root balls will not be picked up. Please do not place brush behind or close to signs, fire hydrants, trees, etc. This service is for maintenance not lot clearing and is available for residents. It is not for contractor use.

Brush may be placed curbside between the Friday before pick up and 7:00 A.M. on pick up day. Brush should be placed in your curb lawn and not placed in the roadway pursuant to City Ordinance. The D.P.W. will accept self-haul brush Monday through Friday 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. These services are for residents of The City of Portland only.

2. What can I do with grass clippings?

Grass clippings may be disposed at the City's compost site located at the Bogue Flats behind the horse arena. Please do not dispose of brush at this location. Brush can be disposed of on the brush pile at the DPW building.

3. When does the Water Department flush hydrants?

The Water Department conducts its semiannual preventative maintenance program on the water system by flushing hydrants in April and October each year.

Rusty or discolored water can occur after the flushing of hydrants.

If your water is discolored make sure to run your cold water until it clears. Make sure to check your tap water before washing clothes and to let the water run clear before using.

4. What are the winter parking rules in the City of Portland?

Per City Ordinance, the winter parking ban is in place from November 1st and April 1st which prohibits parking on any city street between the hours of 2:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M.

This allows City crews to safely clear the streets during the winter months and allows for the easy passage of emergency vehicles.

Violators will be ticketed. If you have any questions, please call the Police Department at 517-647-2947.

5. What is the fall leaf removal process?

The DPW crews will be out daily during the Fall for leaf removal; but due to weather, emergencies and breakdowns it is sometimes impossible to meet that goal. 

DPW crews can serve you better if leaves are placed in long narrow rows at the curb.   Please keep limbs, branches and rocks out of leaf piles as these items can damage the leaf machine.  Leaves can also be placed in paper yard waste bags for pickup. Leaves can also be self-hauled to the compost pile located behind the horse arena at Bogue Flats. We also ask that you DO NOT place any animal waste in leaf piles; these piles will not be picked up.  Under the Refuse Ordinance the burning of brush and leaves is prohibited.

Loose leaf pickup ends the first Monday in December each year.