When will Modesto’s leaf collection come to my neighborhood? How to prepare for pick-up
As winter creeps into Modesto, the autumn leaves begin to crisp and fall to the ground.
Once they’ve begun to sprawl across your lawn, are you required to pile them up and dump them or wait for the city to pick them up?
During the month of December, Modesto’s leaf collection crews are responsible for collecting the fallen leaves. Here’s everything you need to know in preparation:
Modesto’s leaf collection
During the month of December, city crews pick up leaves throughout the city.
According to the city’s website, crews will not pick up any of the following green waste:
- Prunings
- Trimmings
- Sticks
- Branches
“No large green waste will be collected in December,” the city’s website states.
Large green waste collection will resume in January.
When will the city pick up leaves in my neighborhood?
According to the city’s website, crews work all days of the week to collect leaves throughout Modesto neighborhoods.
“There is no set schedule or appointments for leaf pick up,” the city website states.
Diana Ruiz Del-Re, a city spokeswoman, said the leaf collection operation progresses through the city one street at a time.
“The scheduling process factors in the trash collection schedule for each neighborhood, as the rotation is affected by the timing of trash pickup,” Ruiz Del-Re wrote in an email to The Modesto Bee. “Due to unforeseen delays, we do not adhere to a fixed day for servicing any particular neighborhood.”
Where should I place my leaf piles for pick-up?
To prepare for pick-up, residents can pile up leaves 18 inches away from their curbs to allow rain to enter through storm drains.
“Do not place leaves on or near the storm drain,” the city website states.
Leaves should not be piled in the alley, because the city will only collect leaves piled on the street.
“You are welcome to place multiple leaf piles outside your residence,” Ruiz Del-Re said.
Once the crew has come down your street for collection, the street sweeper will finish the job.
Any small debris or remaining leaves can be swept and tossed into your organic container, according to the city’s website.
Can I dump my leaves into my green bin?
If you do not want to wait for city pick-up, Ruiz Del-Re said Modesto residents are free to toss their leaf piles into their green bins.
“Opting for green waste utilization ensures the collection of your leaves on the designated trash collection day,” Ruiz Del-Re said. “Many residents favor utilizing their bins due to the reliability of this fixed schedule.”
After the city crew completes their rounds in your neighborhood during December, Ruiz Del-Re said the city will prioritize the collection of Christmas trees in January.
For any remaining fallen leaves after December, Ruiz Del-Re said residents can utilize their green bins for disposal.
This story was originally published December 15, 2023 at 12:36 PM.
