Trees lining the streets contribute to a pleasant living environment, but during autumn, these trees shed their leaves. These leaves can cause inconvenience, such as blocked drains and slippery footpaths and cycle paths. Residents are responsible for keeping the pavement in front of their homes free of leaves. Therefore, the city services will place leaf bins at various locations throughout the city between October 10 and December 1, depending on leaf fall.
These leaf bins are intended solely for collecting leaves from street trees. The city services will empty the bins weekly, depending on how full they are. Other green waste such as grass clippings, twigs, or litter do not belong in these bins. Any misuse will result in the removal of the leaf bin.
Since the beginning of October, 63 leaf bins have been distributed across Harelbeke and its sub-municipalities: Arendswijk (7), Stasegem (12), Collegewijk (12), Zandberg (8), Centrum (8), Eiland (4), Hulste (6), and Bavikhove (6).
For leaves from your own garden, the city also offers advice. On the Harelbeke website, you can find tips from Dieter Coppens and information about the #LaatZeLiggen campaign, where you have a chance to win a free garden rake. Leaves in the garden are encouraged as a natural fertilizer and soil improver, helping to retain water and suppress weeds, while also providing winter shelter for small animals.
