Leaf season is back: What Sacramento residents need to know about Claw collection

Fall is underway and it’s that time of year when the “City of Trees” starts dropping leaves in the streets.

During this time, when Sacramento residents may see an excess of leaves from the city’s tree canopy, the Recycling and Solid Waste Division brings out its “Claw” crews which include a special tractor and a rear-loading truck to clear up leaves piled in City streets.  

Starting November 2, yard waste beyond what fits in the curbside container can be piled in the street for collection. The Division’s Claw crews move systematically through the City’s neighborhoods to collect leaf piles and bring them to a local facility to be processed into compost.

“Our claw crews will keep working throughout leaf season, completing at least seven full rounds through over 100 neighborhood zones,” said Jesa David, spokesperson for the Division.

During leaf season, the City’s Recycling and Solid Waste crews collect containers 13 times for every seven passes made by the Claw over the same period.

Customers should always fill their curbside container first, as weekly containerized service will continue and may happen sooner than leaf season collection. Leaf season service can be delayed due to factors such as stormy weather, which makes the leaf piles heavier and take longer to collect.

Customers with leaf season service can check the Collection Calendar to see their projected next leaf pile collection date. The leaf season schedule is updated daily, and your next pickup date may change periodically.

Here are some guidelines for leaf season service:

Fill the organics container before making a pile and refill from a sitting pile.
Keep piles out of storm drains and bike lanes when possible.
Limit pile to four by four by nine feet (4’ x 4’ x 9’). 
Keep your pile clear of obstructions such as vehicles and containers. If the claw cannot reach a pile, it won’t be picked up. 
Check the Collection Calendar regularly as it can change daily.

Not all properties within the City receive leaf season service. Homes on a private street and those without a curb and/or gutter do not receive the service. Commercial properties who are not City customers, including apartment buildings, are also not permitted to put out leaf piles.

More information can be found at SacRecycle.org