SANDPOINT — Hues of vibrant red and yellow leaves will soon blanket the yards and streets of Sandpoint, signaling that the city's annual fall leaf pickup program is nearing. 

Leaves will be collected from Nov. 16 through Nov. 20, and city officials are asking residents to have their leaf piles placed out by 7 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 16. Crews will pass through each area once and will not return to areas already serviced. 

A little preparation goes a long way in helping city crews move efficiently and safely, Sandpoint officials said. 

Residents are encouraged to consolidate small piles into one large pile, and to rake leaves near the curb on the edge of the roadway in a visible, accessible location that is not behind or blocked by cars, fences, or landscaping. 

Piles should also be clear of mailboxes, sidewalks, curb ramps and travel lanes, catch basins, and areas directly under trees. 

The leaf pickup is solely for leaves. Bags and yard waste, including grass, clippings or other debris, will not be collected, city officials said. 

Piles will not be collected if branches are mixed into leaf piles, obstructions block access to piles, or if piles are blocked or not visible from the street. 

To help keep the sidewalks clear and the community safe and accessible, city officials asked residents to keep trees trimmed to provide at least 7 feet of clearance above sidewalks. 

Residents looking for alternative ways to dispose of yard waste can use Colburn and Dufort solid waste facilities or visit EPA Composting at Home Resources to learn how to properly compost leaves at home.