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The Claw is back in action around Sacramento for leaf season

The Claw is a tractor-like machine that helps clear leaves from Sacramento roads.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Claw is back this year for leaf season in Sacramento.

Jesa David is a media and communications specialist with the recycling and solid waste division for the city of Sacramento. She says city residents can expect to see The Claw on public streets if they’re a customer of the city’s solid waste collection program.

"The Claw is just this extra special tractor, some equipment that we use during the leaf season, which for us is November, December and January. That’s the time of year when we have a huge leaf fall from our tree canopy. We know that happens throughout the year, but it's the heaviest right about now, so we need a little extra help," said David.

She says they collect more than 61 million pounds of yard waste each leaf season. About half of that is collected with The Claw, the other through green waste containers.

David says to make sure you fill your green waste first before leaving leaf piles out.

"If you filled up your entire container for your yard waste, you can pile excess leaves on the street. We just ask you to keep them neat, keep them out of storm drains and out of bike lanes, and keep them within 4x4x9 feet. Only put your leaves in once you've filled up your green bin already," said David.

The claw will be out until Jan. 29, which is the final day to leave a pile out for collection.

David says crews are out every day keeping streets clear of leaves during leaf season.

"Wave to our staff while they're out and about. They work really early, they work hard hours, they do hard work, so thanks to them for cleaning our streets," said David.

Find out when you may be able to see The Claw HERE.

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