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Fall Leaf Collection

Pictures of Sanitation at Work

LEAF RAKEOUT HAS ENDED.

DO NOT RAKE LEAVES INTO THE STREET.

City of Milwaukee residents may rake leaves into the street from October 1 through November 15, extended this year to December 1, 2024. No special request for leaf collection is necessary until we have completed collection of the route after leaf rake out. Leaf collection operations cycle through the city systematically beginning mid-October. Once leaf rake out ends, DPW makes one final collection sweep across the City. To be collected, ensure that leaves have been raked out by the leaf rake out deadline. Leaves raked out after the deadline will not be collected.

Residents should rake their leaves into the curb lanes for collection to be composted to make a rich soil amendment. Sanitation Services offers these tips for successful leaf collections:

  • Rake leaves loose into the curb lane. Leave a one foot gap between the leaves and the curb.
    • The 1' gap helps ensure the equipment can collect all of the leaves and protects the equipment from being damaged and helps prevent flooding by allowing storm water to move to the storm drains.
  • Keep piles away from sewer grates, storm drains, and low hanging trees.
  • Include yard debris such as flowers, garden trimmings, and weeds on top of leaf piles.
  • Do not include grass clippings, pumpkins, litter, or bagged material.
  • Do not put brush in the leaf piles. Keep brush separate and located between the curb and sidewalk. Call 414 286-CITY or request a brush collection online.

Leaf Collection Progress

Green - We anticipate starting this route in the next 1-3 business days. Get your leaves into the street and park vehicles away from piles as much as possible. 

Yellow - Pick up of curbside piles has begun and we are consolidating them into larger piles for pickup.

Orange - We are picking up the large piles that we made in the area. 

Red - We have completed collection after the December 1st leaf rake out deadline. Leaves raked into the street will not be collected. If your route is red and we missed your leaf pile, the Call Center will enter a request for collection. 414-286-CITY (2489)

If you missed the leaf rake out deadline, you can:

Leaf Mulching

Easier than raking, consider mulching leaves in place. This returns the nutrients right to your soil. Leaves can also be composted in your backyard.

Off-Season Leaf Removal

Leaves may be taken to a Drop Off Center location. Please refer to our Drop-Off Centers for locations and hours of operations. 

What happens to my leaves?

Leaves are taken to the Waste Management compost site where Purple Cow Organics manages the material for 4 - 6 months to create a rich compost. Compost is then sold locally. Compost is a natural fertilizer that returns nutrients to the soil, improves its ability to absorb rain water, and keeps valuable resources out of the landfill.

photo of leaves set out properly

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