Director of Public Works James Pease announced at the recent Ripon City Council meeting the kick-off of the annual pick-up of leaves, trimmings, and Christmas trees.

From now through Jan. 7, residents can set aside these items along the curbside without having to call City Hall.

Included are a few guidelines:

• Palm tree cuttings will not be accepted.

• Loose trimmings and leaves can be placed on the curbside but the gutter must be clear for water runoff.

• No other solid waste of any kind shall be deposited among the clippings or leaves.

• Branches should be no more than 4 inches long or 6 inches in diameter.

• No stumps are allowed.

• Do not bag or tie the trimmings.

A public works crew will pick up the trimmings each week, checking the neighborhoods.

“It is not a set route so if they do not pick up one week, they will pick it up the next week,” according to the website, www.cityofripon.org.

For more information, click on to www.cityofripon.org/310/Garbage-Service.