Philadelphia's Fall Leaf Recycling Program officially began this week, and will continue through Dec. 20.
The seven-week initiative helps reduce the amount of leaves and other materials that reach the waste stream, according to the city’s Department of Sanitation.
Mechanical leaf collection crews will target areas with heavy leaf accumulation and dense tree canopies, using leaf blowers, mechanical sweepers, and leaf loaders. Collection will follow a weekly schedule across different neighborhoods: Oak Lane and Frankford through Nov. 7; West Philadelphia, Nov. 10-14; Northeast Philadelphia, Nov. 17-21 and Nov. 24-28; South Philadelphia, Dec. 1-5; and Northwest Philadelphia, Dec. 8-12 and Dec. 15-19.
Residents are asked to have leaves raked and ready by 7 a.m. on the day of collection, placing them at the curb’s edge. Vehicles should be moved off-street when possible to allow crews full access.
To find out when your block is scheduled for mechanical collection, visit phila.gov/leaf-recycling
In addition to curbside collection, bagged leaves can be dropped off at city Sanitation Convenience Centers Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Locations include West Philadelphia (63rd & Passyunk Ave., and 5100 Grays Ave.); Northwest Philadelphia (Domino Lane and Umbria Street); Northeast Philadelphia (State Road and Ashburner Street); North Philadelphia (2601 W. Glenwood Ave.); and Port Richmond (Delaware Avenue and Wheatsheaf Lane).
Sanitation officials said only biodegradable paper bags will be accepted, and leaves should not be mixed with trash or other recyclables. Bags may weigh up to 40 pounds, and residents may use as many as needed.
Collected leaves will be composted to fertilize gardens and nourish trees, the department noted.
For more information, visit phila.gov/leaf-recycling or call 311.
