Announcement

FAQ about new sticker program for leaf and yard debris drop-off

Monday, November 13, 2023

The following is the latest in a series of FAQ columns planned for the Ocean Pines website and newsletter:

Everything You Need To Know About Life In Ocean Pines, From A To Z

Looking for answers? Submit question ideas to [email protected].

*(This FAQ was updated in September 2023)

Q. Why is Ocean Pines making this change to the leaf collection program?
A. The program was originally designed to help keep the ditches clean by having residents rake out the ditches in front of their homes. Some residents have taken advantage of the annual vacuum truck operation by raking their entire yards into their ditches and expecting the truck to clear the ditches out, which has become very costly in terms of labor, equipment, and disposal.
Ocean Pines Association encourages residents to rake out their ditches and bag the leaves and other debris, which Public Works will continue to collect in the fall. Republic Services will also collect bagged yard debris year-round.

The only change is the vacuum truck will not be running through every neighborhood and will just be used to clear out ditches on Association owned property.

Additionally, by requiring a sticker to use the Public Works yard for drop-off of leaves and other debris, the Association will be able to control who is using the OPA facility to dispose of yard debris. This will save the Association money by not having to dispose of leaves dropped off by contractors and those living outside of OPA.

Q. Won't this cause flooding and drainage problems, if OPA does not clean out the ditches?
A. The Association will continue to pick up bagged leaves in November and December, and Republic Services will continue their leaf collection program. Public Works will still be cleaning ditches as needed.

Q. What will happen to the vacuum truck?
A. The vacuum truck will be used on an as-needed basis, and to clean out ditches owned by the Association.

Q. Where can I get the sticker?
A. Stickers can be picked up at Ocean Pines Public Works. Call 410-641-7425 or stop by the Public Works office on 1 Firehouse Lane.

Q. The cost is free for the first year. What will the cost be for the second year?
A. This will have to be determined by the General Manager and Board of Directors during the next budget cycle.

Q. Can I use another form of ID, such as a driver's license or OPA member card?
A. No. Those who want to use the Public Works yard to drop off yard debris must get a sticker.

Q. If I get a new car, will I have to get another sticker?
A. If you already got a sticker from Public Works and you get a new car within the same year, Public Works will give you a new sticker for free.

Q. Can the stickers be shared with other members of my household? What about friends, family, etc.?
A. No. The stickers are for the property owners’ yards and cannot be shared with people living outside of your household. The stickers have the tag number of the vehicle it was issued to at the time of purchase, by the property owner.

Q. Are the stickers easy to remove?
A. Yes, they are very similar to the stickers used when you get an oil change and are easily removed.

Q. Can I drop off loose debris, or does it have to be bagged?
A. Leaves and other yard debris may be dropped off loose or in paper bags. Plastic bags will not be accepted.

Q. When will the Public Works yard be open for drop-off?
A. Those with a sticker may use the Public Works yard to drop off yard debris Nov. 27 through Dec. 30, Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Special drop-off times will be posted on the website. Recently, the yard has been open on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Announcement

FAQ about new sticker program for leaf and yard debris drop-off

Everything You Need To Know About Life In Ocean Pines, From A To Z

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