LEAF COLLECTION UPDATES!

A few key details were missed in my last blog regarding leaf collection sent out on November 17, 2023. Here are some updates about what to expect. 

On November 18 & 19, Streets crews were only working in the general vicinity south of Cottage Grove Road north of Siggelkow Road, and between Monona Drive and the interstate. They were NOT working in the entire district.  I’m sorry for the error in the blog post.

You may be wondering then – will the Streets Division do another collection round of leaves?

Here’s an update I got from Bryan Johnson, the Public Information Officer of the Streets Division about this very question:

As of November 22, there are no plans for an extra leaf collection.

Starting November 27, there are several neighborhoods of Madison we have yet to serve who need their guaranteed third (and final) leaf collection opportunity. That work will take us right up into the first week of December.

We simply don’t know right now if the weather will allow for us to perform an extra collection later in December. 

The same crews that collect leaves are the ones that drive the snowplows. And the same trucks that push the leaves are the ones that clear snow from bus stops, sidewalks, and other pathways around the city.

Once winter weather sets in, keeping the roads safe becomes a priority for our staff.

If an extra collection becomes possible we will announce it before we perform that work, but to be perfectly clear, an extra collection is not guaranteed to happen.

Since an extra pickup cannot be guaranteed right now – what do we do with all these leaves?  Here are some of Bryan’s recommendations:

• You could use one of the Streets Division drop-off sites. The drop-off site hours are changing soon so be sure you check them before loading your car (www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites).
• You can choose to mulch your leaves into your lawn with a mower.  
• Or you could begin composting them in your backyard if you have the space.  Guides on how to compost are available at www.cityofmadison.com/Composting.
• You could even make leaf mold for your gardens, too.  There are several tutorials online for that if you are interested in this.