Milwaukee fall leaf collection begins Oct. 1 with new paper bag option

Milwaukee residents can begin placing leaves out for collection Oct. 1 as the Department of Public Works, or DPW, launches its 2026 Fall Leaf Rake-Out period.

Residents may rake loose leaves into the street or place them in paper yard waste bags through Nov. 15. Under city ordinance, Nov. 15 is the final day to put out leaves for collection unless the city extends the deadline because of delayed leaf drop or other weather conditions.

After the rake-out period ends, DPW crews will continue cycling through the city to collect remaining leaves. Officials said the final collection will take several weeks.

New this fall, residents may place leaves in paper yard waste bags at the curb line or lawn edge. Bags should not be placed in streets or alleys, and plastic bags are prohibited.

Using paper bags is optional but strongly encouraged. According to DPW, the option can help prevent leaves from entering storm sewers, improve collection in areas with heavy parking and give residents another way to dispose of leaves.

DPW particularly recommends paper bags for properties near:

• Bike lanes
• Traffic-calming installations
• Angled parking
• Areas with limited street parking
• Locations prone to surface flooding

Residents do not need to submit a service request for bagged leaves. However, the city encourages requests because they help crews locate the bags and may lead to faster pickup.

Requests may be submitted at milwaukee.gov/click4action, through the MKE Mobile Action app or by calling 414-286-CITY.

Back in April, DPW was going to make bagging leaves mandatory after leaves led to clogged storm drains and flooding. After pushback from the Common Council, the city backed off the mandatory leaf-bagging requirement and made it an option.

DPW says that residents who rake leaves into the street should place them in the curb lane and leave about 1 foot of space between the pile and the curb. That space allows stormwater to flow along the curb.

Leaf piles should be kept away from storm drains, sewer grates and low-hanging trees.

Flowers, weeds and garden trimmings may be placed on top of leaf piles. Residents should not add grass clippings, pumpkins, litter or brush.

Brush must be kept separate from leaves and placed between the curb and sidewalk. A service request is required for brush pickup, and Nov. 30 is the final day for brush collection.

DPW will announce any extension of the Nov. 15 leaf deadline if weather delays leaf drop and significant numbers of leaves remain on trees.