Rochester's Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin curbside leaf collection Monday, Oct. 26, according to a city announcement.
Under the city’s collection rules, residents should rake leaves into neat piles along the curb and into the street. Piles must be kept away from storm catch basins to prevent flooding. Mulched leaves, grass clippings, pet waste, municipal waste and tree limbs are not allowed in curbside piles.
The DPW operates on a 10- to 14-day cycle to cover the entire city. Major streets get cleaned on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Those include Ludlow, Woodward, First Street, University, Romeo, Parkdale, Elizabeth, Diversion, South Street and Runyon.
Once crews finish a section, they will not return until the rest of the city is covered, except on major streets. The city's online leaf collection map will be updated daily so residents can track where crews are working.
Don't park near leaf piles. The city says crews will skip piles blocked by parked cars and will not come back. Parking on top of leaf piles can also create fire conditions under the vehicle.
Residents who prefer to bag their leaves can set them at the curb for Priority Waste's compost and yard waste pickup on regular trash collection days. That service runs through the first week of December, according to the city announcement.
During leaf season, chipping services are limited. The chipper may go out only once a month unless a storm hits. Residents who need chipping must request it on an on-call basis, and the DPW will build a list of addresses for the crew to handle when scheduled.
