October, 2025 City E-Newsletter

Let’s Be Salt Wise This Winter

Every winter, thousands of tons of salt are spread across Wisconsin roads, parking lots, and sidewalks. Once washed away, salt enters our lakes, streams, and drinking water—and it doesn’t break down. It takes just 1 teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute 5 gallons of water. Communities across Wisconsin are seeing chloride levels rise, threatening our drinking water and aquatic life in lakes and streams. That’s why it’s time to get Salt Wise.

The City of Baraboo is committed to using smart salting practices that maintain safety while protecting our water. But winter safety isn’t just up to plow drivers—residents have an important role, too:

Shovel early and often to minimize ice formation
When it’s too cold for salt to work (below 15°F), use sand for traction instead
Sweep up extra salt after the pavement dries
Stay off roads during storms when possible

Together, we can keep our streets safe and our water clean—now and for future generations.

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ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING

October 1st - April 15th

Alternate side parking is in effect from October 1st through April 15th, and it plays a vital role in keeping our streets safe and accessible during the winter months. By allowing for efficient snow and ice removal, we not only ensure smoother travel for everyone but also give our City Street Maintenance crews the opportunity to keep storm sewers free from leaf debris. When leaves accumulate, they can block these essential drainage systems, leading to street flooding and complications in clearing blocked lines.

Alternate Side Parking

Trick or Treating

October 31st from 4pm - 7pm

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LEAVES & YARD WASTE

Leaf pickup will begin October 27th and continue until November 26th, weather permitting. Leaves must be placed un-bagged on the treebank and be free of debris such as rocks, stumps, lumber, and other yard waste. Property owners may be invoiced for damages to City equipment due to contaminated leaf piles. During leaf pickup, please be certain that leaves designated for pick-up are a minimum of 5’ from vehicles, trailers, poles, signs, hydrants, and trees.

Leaf Collection occurs within designated geographical areas that correspond to refuse collection routes. For example: collection will begin in Monday’s refuse collection district and progress through that designated area regardless of how long it takes. After completing collection in Monday’s area, crews will move into the Tuesday district, then Wednesday’s district, followed by Thursday’s, and then Friday’s refuse collection districts. Upon completion of Friday’s refuse district, crews will begin the cycle again in Monday’s district. This rotation will continue until November 26th.

This service is intended purely for leaf pick-up. Our leaf vacs are incapable of picking up yard waste such as grass clippings, potted plants, pumpkins, and garden materials. The City does not collect those materials. Those materials must be dropped off at the City of Baraboo Compost Site located off at 407 Briar Street behind the old Public Works Garage.

Curbside leaf collection only occurs during certain times in the Spring and Fall. During non-pickup times, residents may dispose of leaves at the City of Baraboo Compost Site. Leaves and yard waste must be free of trash and other foreign debris. If material is bagged, you must empty the contents on the appropriate pile and take the bags with you.

At No Time May Leaves, Grass Clippings, Brush, Or Other Yard Waste Be Deposited On The Street Or Alley.

Not Only Does It Impact Ground And Surface Water Quality, But It Is Also Prohibited By Ordinance 8.15.

Brush Collection

Brush is collected the last FULL week of each month April through October.

October 27

All brush must be placed on the treebank by 7:00 AM the Monday of a scheduled pickup week to be guaranteed a pickup.

For the safety and efficiency of our brush cleanup process, brush must be stacked neatly with cut ends facing the same direction. Property owners not meeting these requirements may be required to re-stack the brush pile set out for pickup or dispose of the material on their own terms. Whenever possible, make a few separate piles that can be picked up by a single person. Please stack brush in a location where it is accessible to Public Works crews, does not impede vision of motorists, or block pedestrian walkways. Please avoid stacking it close to fire hydrants and signposts.

Monthly brush pickup is for typical residential yard cleanup of limbs and branches, and not intended for lot clearing or complete tree removals. The City has right to refuse collection and property owner may need to dispose of materials by their own means. The City will NOT pickup brush placed by a contractor. Contractors are responsible for the disposal of tree waste of which they generate.

Do not mix yard waste with brush to be collected. Brush piles containing yard waste, trash, lumber, or other debris will not be collected. Yard waste can be dropped off at 407 Briar Street behind the old Public Works Facility.

Below are pictures showing the proper way to place brush out for collection.