The city’s loose leaf collection program begins today.

Leaves will be picked up by vacuum trucks 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents should rake their leaves onto the parkway, between the sidewalk and street. Leaves should not be raked into the street, which could block storm sewers. Leaves must be free of sticks and rocks.

Collection for south of and including Lincoln Highway is in Section One. Collection for north of Lincoln Highway is section two.

Sections one and two will be collected today through Friday.

Section One will be collected again Oct. 21 through Oct. 25.

Section two will be collected again Oct. 28 through Nov. 1.

Questions may be directed to the city’s Operation Division at 815-748-2040.

Leaves may also be placed in open garbage cans or yard waste bags for regular curbside collection, but leaves in plastic bags will not be collected.

Landscape waste dumpsters are available on the southeast corner of North Seventh and Oak streets; Fire Station Two, 1154 S. Seventh St.; and the city garden plots, 950 W. Dresser Road.