Fall Leaf Collection Begins Week of October 5; Get Your Home’s Set Out Dates from Yard Waste Website

They will collect leaves, weeds, grass clippings, pine cones, pumpkins, crab apples, plant stalks, and other plant debris you have raked or pulled from your lawns or gardens. 

Leaves should be placed on the terrace or right of way space next to the public street. 

Never put piles of leaves in the road. That is an ordinance violation. Nutrients from leaves in the street contribute to toxic algae blooms in our lakes.

Piles of leaves and yard waste should be at least four feet from any obstruction, like fire hydrants, utility poles, street trees, decorations, and so on.

If there is an area of the terrace that was recently refilled with dirt, either from a construction project or stump removal, or something else, do not put your leaves or yard waste on top of this soft ground. Collection crews may damage this soft area with the collection vehicles.

Do not mix yard waste and brush together. Mixed piles will not be picked up.

Do not put leaves and yard waste into your trash or recycling containers.

Yard waste and leaves have been banned from Wisconsin landfills for over 30 years. This material cannot be placed into the tan trash cart. And this material is inappropriate for the green recycling cart.

Carts with this material will not be emptied.

If you choose to bag your leaves, please use the paper leaf bags available from most hardware stores. Keep your bags open at the top so crews can see inside.

If you prefer to use plastic bags, crews will empty them out and leave the plastic bags behind at the curb. The bags may be ripped or torn in this process. Plastic bags must also be kept open at the top so crews can see inside.

While bagging is not required, it is good way to keep them from blowing into the street and helps make collection faster.

Crews collect leaves and yard waste sometime during the work week following the set-out date listed for your home. 

You just need to set out your yard waste for pickup on the date listed and then crews will arrive as soon as they can. 

If you put your yard waste out for pickup after the set-out date, you risk missing your collection opportunity and needing to wait until the next pickup round.

All three drop-off sites accept leaves and yard waste.

Make sure you know the hours and locations before loading your vehicle. They may have changed since you last visited.

City of Madison Drop-off Sites

This material is taken to Purple Cow Organics to be composted.