Pflugerville changes brush and limb pickup schedule

In 2011, the city made a total 4,244 pickups. Wills said so far in 2012, the city made 3,459.

"(The rezoning) is a reaction to the increase we're seeing," Wills said. "This will create a more efficient system for residents."

As for why the city is seeing the spike in demand, Wills speculated the 2011 drought may be a contributing factor.

"The drought killed off trees last year," Wills said. "A lot of trees have grown back, and people need to do more cutting."

A detailed zoning map from the city that indicates when residents can expect to have their debris picked up is available online. Residents who live in Zone 1, which is largely on the west side of Toll 130, are on the pickup schedule the first two weeks of the month. Residents in Zone 2 are on the pickup schedule for the third and fourth week of the month. Wills said the program was evaluated and altered based on customer feedback and staff recommendations made during the summer.

The city recycles the removed debris into mulch used at city parks and facilities. The mulch is also offered free to residents at the Recycling Center located at 15500 Sun Light Near Way, Ste. B, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wills said residents do not need to tie the limbs or brush debris they cut. Piles should be no more than 10 feet long and 4 feet high.

Residents are asked to time their brush and limb chipping with the zone schedule to avoid piles of material remaining in front yards for extended periods of time.

City spokeswoman Terri Waggoner said the free pickup service is strictly limited to Pflugerville residents who pay city taxes.

To get on the pickup schedule, residents must call 252-2447 or email [email protected] and provide their name, address and phone number. The phone line is open 24 hours, seven days a week.

For more information, including a detailed map of the new zones, visit www.pflugervilletx.gov/chipping.