Pontiac tightens brush-collection rules, limits free pickup and phases in enforcement

The Pontiac City Council approved revisions to the city’s brush-collection policy that set limits on free curbside pickup and added new requirements for how residents must prepare material.

Street superintendent Brock (identified in committee roll call) described the proposed changes: the city will collect one bucket of residential brush per month at no charge; residents may request extra pick-ups for a $50-per‑bucket fee. The policy would no longer allow plastic bags for grass and brush so the tub‑grinding mulch is not contaminated. Brock also recommended length and size limits for limbs (no longer than six feet and no more than six inches in diameter) and asked residents to separate fine material (leaves, grass clippings, small twigs) into containers with a maximum weight roughly 40 pounds so crews can lift them into loaders.

Brock said the city will run an outreach campaign in May (social posts, newsletter, photos showing correct vs. incorrect pile configurations) and use May to acclimate residents, with gradual enforcement beginning in June. For very large ‘monster’ piles — those the crew cannot pick up during routine routes — the city will charge $50 and require prepayment and scheduling.

Council asked about implementation details for residents with multiple lots and for special cases (rose bushes, cardboard boxes, etc.). Staff said cardboard boxes are acceptable and that residents can still drop off brush during posted hours; crews will note noncompliant piles during routes and staff will contact owners to arrange pickup or payment. The council approved the policy changes by motion and roll call.