Citywide Leaf Collection Tips and Tricks

Leaf collection begins throughout the City around November 1. While every effort is made to collect leaves as quickly as possible, delays are likely due to heavy volume of leaf collection, equipment failure, weather conditions, and holiday schedules. Collection on a certain day cannot be guaranteed.

For easier pick-up, leaves should be bagged in paper bags. Biodegradable leaf bags are available at most hardware stores. Limbs and other yard debris should also be placed in trash containers (not with other garbage) or biodegradable bags for more efficient collection.

For curbside leaf pick-up, residents should rake, blow, or place leaves to the curb or verge (the area between the street and sidewalk) in front of their home, but not in the street. Other yard waste should not be mixed with the leaves. Placing rocks, bricks, large limbs, lumber, decorations, food waste, and other debris will break the vacuum truck mechanisms and significantly delay future leaf collections throughout the City.

Tips for successful leaf collection:

• Don't put leaves in your trash or recycling containers. Instead, use biodegradable bags for easier pickup.
• Don't place leaves in the street or in/over storm drains to prevent flooding.
• For safety, and to assist motorists, parents should remind children to not play in leaf piles near the street.
• To allow access to Public Works trucks, do not park beside a pile of leaves or yard debris that is ready for pick up.
• Tree trimmings, limbs, and hedge cuttings are limited to four (4) feet in length and a diameter of three (3) inches or less.

Your tree removal company is responsible for the disposal of items leftover from the tree removal, including stumps, large limbs, etc.