Leaf collection set to begin in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Leaf collection will start Monday, the city announced Thursday.
The collection will continue through Dec. 7.
A city news release said each household is permitted 40 bags of leaves for weekly disposal. Leaves are to be placed in large plastic trash bags and placed near your regular trash cart by 7 a.m. on customers’ regular trash days. All leaf bags should be kept at least 3 feet away from the cart collection area to ensure trucks can service the carts.
From the release, here are some frequently asked questions:
Why can’t leaf pickup start earlier/end later? I have many trees in my backyard.
The Department of Public Works coordinates leaf pickup around the time Indianapolis sees the most leaves falling. The season extends beyond Thanksgiving to provide residents time to gather leaves after the holiday weekend. If you have more leaves outside of the leaf collection season, the Citizens Transfer Station, 2324 S Belmont Ave, is open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays for residents to drop off excess leaves. There is a fee of $2 per carload and $5 per truckload. Trailers will not be permitted at the Citizens Transfer Station. The transfer station requests that leaves be bagged for ease of drop-off.
Where do the leaves go once they’ve been collected?
Leaves are taken to South Side Landfill, 2561 Kentucky Ave., once they are collected; however, leaves collected this year will also be composted and resulting mulch will be available to residents in the spring.
Can I place my leaves in the 96-gallon trash cart?
Yes, residents can place bagged leaves in the 96-gallon cart to be picked up.
I have multiple bags of leaves. What if I am running out of space on my curb or alley?
The Department of Public Works asks residents to keep leaves 3 feet away from cart collection areas and out of the public right-of-way so the department’s solid waste personnel can quickly and safely remove leaves and continue on their scheduled routes.
Does leaf collection impact heavy trash?
No, leaf collection does not impact heavy trash pickup.
Other leaf season notes
Make sure storm sewer inlets and drainage pipes are clear of leaves to avoid drainage problems.
Open burning of leaves is illegal in Indianapolis and all of Marion County.
Making your own home compost from organic waste is another way to dispose of your fall leaves. A city webpage helps you learn how you can set up home composting.