Those working to clean up their yards before winter in Portage la Prairie can receive a bit of a hand from the city. Today the city kicked off their annual fall yard waste collection program, which allows residents to place their grass clippings, leaves, and garden material on the curb for pick up. Transportation Chair Melissa Draycott notes they'll pick up most types of yard waste, but there are some parameters you need to keep in mind.

"There's no limit on the number of bags you can place out for collection, but there is a weight restriction. They ask that everything is 40 pounds per bag or less. Just remember that it's just for yard waste in clear bags, or compostable, brown paper bags."

Draycott notes the yard waste is picked up on your usual collection day, but not usually picked up at the same time as your usual garbage. She also notes tree trimmings won't be collected by those crews, but can be dropped off at the city's tree disposal yard.

All of the yard waste collected is composted by the city, and eventually can be picked up for free by residents. The city notes it's often a popular program in the spring, as gardeners work to prepare their plots for the summer.

The yard waste collection period begins today and continues for six garbage pick-up cycles.