Leaf Raking Deadline Extended

Rake Your Leaves into the Street by November 22, 2015

Milwaukee residents have an additional week to clear their leaves!

City of Milwaukee residents now have until Sunday, November 22, 2015 to rake their leaves into the curb lanes for pick-up by the Department of Public Works (DPW).  DPW Sanitation crews currently are collecting leaves and will make one last sweep of all City neighborhoods after November 22, concluding leaf pick-up on Wednesday, December 9, weather permitting.

NOTE:  Significant snowfall will curtail leaf collection operations for the season.

Another important reminder:  Do not put leaves in plastic bags to place at the curb.  Simply rake your leaves into the curb lane. One exception:  Compostable bags are good to use, but make sure the bags you use are compostable!

After final pick-ups on December 9, residents are encouraged to mulch their leaves and leave them on their lawn, compost them, or take them to a City Self-Help Center for composting.

Leaves and brush, along with other yard waste, are banned from landfills and must not be placed in garbage or recycling carts.  DPW collects leaves, brush and yard waste separately from garbage and composts it, which conserves natural resources while saving the City money.

Tips for a successful fall leaf collection:

• Keep leaves away from storm drains and sewer grates in the street
• Do not put leaves in plastic bags; compostable bags are OK
• Do not put leaves in garbage carts
• Place garden debris on top of leaf piles
• Pumpkins – Place them in your garbage cart or compost them
• Do not put brush into the street – call 286-CITY (2489) through November for a pick-up

Sanitation staff collects an average of 15,000 tons of leaves each year between mid-October and the first week of December.  Last year 15,360 tons of leaves were collected.