If the fallen leaves are starting to pile up around your home, don’t worry — the City’s annual leaf collection service starts this Sunday, Nov. 1.
Between Nov. 1 and Jan. 24, 2021, the Recycling and Solid Waste division will dispatch “The Claw” and rear loader trucks to scoop more than 54 million pounds of leaves and yard waste debris off of city streets.
“The air is getting chillier and the leaves are beginning to fall, but the Recycling and Solid Waste division is ready,” said Erin Treadwell, integrated waste compliance manager. “Crews work up to six days a week, rain or shine, including holidays.”
During this time, city residents can place leaves and other yard waste in their yard waste containers as well as piles on the street for pickup.
Schedule
The claw will make at least seven collections on each street during leaf season. As leaf drop volume grows, and if wind and rainstorms occur, it can take crews up to three weeks to rotate through the entire city. The last day piles can be placed on the street for collection is Jan. 24, 2021.
Starting Oct. 26, customers can visit SacLeafSmart.org or check out the free SacRecycle app to get an estimate of their upcoming collection date. The schedule is updated daily based on the volume of yard waste from the previous day, number of zones cleared, weather conditions and equipment availability. The schedule will also show when the leaf piles were most recently collected in their neighborhood. Customers are urged to check the calendar frequently since estimated collection dates will change often.
Fill containers first
The Recycling and Solid Waste division will make 13 container collections during leaf season. Customers should fill their containers first and then create a leaf pile to help city remove material faster. Weekly residential containerized yard waste collection continues year-round on a customer’s normal collection day. An extra yard waste bin is $3.86 a month. Customers can call 311 or go to www.Sac311.org to place an order that best fit their landscape needs.
Leaf Pile Guidelines
Piles should be placed six feet from any obstructions and in such a way that there is space between the curb and pile to allow water to flow to storm drains. When possible, leaf piles should be kept out of bike lanes. Piles may not be larger than 4 ft. x 4 ft. x 9 ft. per household. Leaves should not be in plastic bags. Pet waste should never be put in leaf piles or yard waste containers. Branches should be cut to three feet in length or less and no more than four inches in diameter. Tree stumps are not allowed in piles.
Household Junk Collection to go on Hiatus – Appliance & E-waste continues year-round
The same crews and equipment used for the Household Junk Pickup program are deployed for seasonal leaf collection during November, December and January. The Household Junk Pickup will go on its planned hiatus effective Oct. 31, 2020. The program will resume in February 2021. Appliance & E-waste collection occurs year-round and appointments are available during leaf season. All residents can make up to two appointments for junk pickup and two appointments for appliance/e-waste in a calendar year.
More information is available at SacRecycle.org.