On Monday, November 12, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin collecting bagged leaves through Friday, December 7. Residents can leave out up to 40 bags of leaves per week during the four-week collection period.
Leaf collection dates coincide with the time of year that the most leaves are determined to fall from trees. DPW works with the Purdue Extension to determine the four-week collection period. DPW’s leaf collection service is offered at no additional cost to residents.
Here are a few guidelines to follow during leaf collection:
- Place leaves in plastic bags. Paper bags can deteriorate and break apart in wet weather.
- Keep bags at least three feet away from your trash cart for easy pick up.
- Leaf bags should be outside by 7 a.m. on your normal trash day.
- While raking leaves, DPW asks that residents clear leaves from storm drain inlets to prevent drainage and flooding problems.
Last year, DPW collected about 5,000 tons of leaves from Marion County residents. As in years past, the collected leaves are taken to the South Side Landfill where they are composted. Residents can pick up the resulting mulch in the spring.
The first day of leaf collection falls on Veterans Day. Trash pick up, including leaf pickup service, will run as normal.
Other things to keep in mind this fall season:
Open burning is illegal in Marion County. Try composting as an alternative to traditional raking and bagging.