‘Leaf season’ ends Feb. 1. Here are ways to prepare for final collection

Sacramento’s “leaf season” crews have started their sixth round collecting leaf piles from City streets, a service which began in November and continues through the end of January.

To be guaranteed a final pickup, all piles must be on the street by Feb. 1, when Recycling and Solid Waste Division staff will begin their final round of collections.

During leaf season, residents can pile yard waste loose in the street for pickup by the “claw” tractor. Residents should always fill containers first before making a pile, as containerized organic waste collection occurs weekly during leaf season and throughout the year.

“Over 60 million pounds of yard waste is collected during a typical leaf season, mostly in curbside containers,” said Jesa David, spokesperson for the Division. “The more material we can collect in containers, the more quickly our claw crews can finish their rounds.”

Residents can check the collection calendar to see if they receive the service and when the next pickup is estimated to occur. The calendar is updated daily and may change frequently.

Properties that receive leaf season service will have a pickup at least seven times throughout the season, as crews work systematically through all the neighborhoods for each round. Only residents on a public street receive the service.

Please continue to remember these guidelines for leaf season service:

Piles should not exceed four feet by four feet by nine feet and be no more than five cubic yards.
Limbs must be cut to three feet or less in length and no more than four inches in diameter.
Place the pile six feet from any obstruction (e.g. cars, boats, basketball hoops etc.)
Make sure there is space between the curb and pile to allow water to flow to storm drains.
When possible, avoid placing piles in bike lanes.
Holiday trees are accepted in piles (remove any plastic, glass or metal décor).

After leaf season is over, the same crews and equipment will be collecting bulky waste through Household Junk Pickups, which can be scheduled February through October by contacting City Customer Service at 3-1-1 or 916-808-5011 or making an online service request.