Fall Leaf Pickup

The City of Kalamazoo collects leaves for city residents every fall. We try to schedule leaf collection late enough in the season so that leaves will have fallen, but early enough to complete pickups before winter weather settles in. This can be hard to predict, and depending on the weather, it is not always possible.

Spring 2026 Update

Public Works crews will begin collecting overwintered leaves from the 2025 leaf season starting April 6 in Zone A (western part of the city). Crews will continue through Zones B (central) and C (eastern) as time, weather, and workloads allow. Zones can be viewed by expanding "When is My Collection" below. 

Residents do not need to submit a pickup request for this supplemental collection. This effort is intended to pick up leaves already placed at the curb from the previous season.

The City’s Yard Waste Collection Program is a separate service and also accepts leaves during the regular season (April-October). After April 30, any remaining leaves must be set out according to yard waste program guidelines in bags, boxes, or bundles for regular collection.

2026 Spring Leaf Pickup

Crews will begin on April 6 in Zone A, proceeding to Zones B and C as time, weather, and workloads allow. Bagged or boxed leaves are also accepted in the monthly yard waste program, which starts in April. 

Leaf Collection Map

The leaf collection program will accept any volume of:

  • Leaves
  • Sticks smaller than four feet long and two inches in diameter
  • Pumpkins
  • Other similar, organic material

Please do not place any other material out for collection in the leaf program. It will not be collected, and material left at the curb will be considered a nuisance and may result in enforcement action without notice. 

Please bring your leaves to the curb lawn area near the street.  You can rake them to the curb in loose in piles or collect them in biodegradable bags or boxes. 

If there is no sidewalk or curb lawn at your home, please rake them to the edge of the street but do not block any traffic lanes (including bike lanes).

Please do not place leaves near mailboxes, utility poles, landscaped areas, or near storm drains. Never place leaves where they will block sidewalks, bike lanes, or vehicle lanes. Putting leaves in these areas not only slows the program down but makes it hard for people to get around the city and could be dangerous. Plus, it might lead to enforcement action or fines. 

Graphic showing areas near the right of way where to place leaves and where not to.

During the fall, fallen leaves often accumulate at storm drains. This prevents water from draining from our streets properly and can lead to localized flooding nearby. If you see a blocked drain near your home, lend a hand and clear it! 

Contact Us

Phone

311

Alternate Phone

(269) 337-8000

Email

311@kalamazoocity.org
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