Milwaukee’s Department of Public Works (DPW) announced Tuesday that the city’s leaf‑rake deadline has been extended from the usual Nov. 15 to Sunday, Nov. 29. The change gives residents additional time to clear leaves that are falling later than normal this year.

Why the extension matters

According to DPW, the extra week helps ensure that leaves from trees with delayed drop are collected before the final sweep begins after Nov. 30. The department estimates that citywide leaf‑collection removes roughly 15,000 tons of foliage from waterways and sewer systems each year, reducing flood risk and protecting water quality. Collected material is then turned into nutrient‑rich compost for use around the city.

How to check collection status

Homeowners can view a live map of crew activity at milwaukee.gov/leaves. The map shows which neighborhoods have been serviced and which are still pending. If a resident believes a leaf pile or bagged leaves were missed in an area marked red (complete), they may call the Unified Call Center at 414‑286‑CITY (2489) to request a re‑check.

Tips for successful leaf pickup

• Minimize the amount of material that needs to be hauled by mowing and allowing grass clippings to remain on the lawn.
• Rake excess leaves loosely into the curb lane, leaving a one‑foot gap between the leaves and the curb. This gap helps equipment operate efficiently and protects it from damage, while also allowing storm‑water to flow to drains.
• Keep leaf piles away from sewer grates, storm drains, and low‑hanging branches.
• Place yard debris such as flowers, garden trimmings, and weeds on top of leaf piles, but do not include grass clippings, pumpkins, litter, or bagged material.
• Do not put brush in leaf piles; keep brush separate and positioned between the curb and sidewalk. Residents can request brush collection by calling 286‑CITY or submitting an online request through Nov. 30.

Paper‑bag collection guidelines

• Place leaves in paper yard‑waste bags at the curb line or lawn edge—never in the street or an alley.
• Avoid plastic bags of any kind.
• Bagging is optional but strongly encouraged in areas with bike lanes, traffic‑calming measures, angled parking, limited street parking, or locations prone to surface flooding.
• Submit a service request to help DPW locate bagged leaf sites. Requests can be entered online at milwaukee.gov/click4action, through the MKE Mobile Action app, or by calling 414‑286‑CITY.

The DPW reminded residents that timely leaf removal not only keeps streets clear but also protects the city’s storm‑water infrastructure. By following the tips above, homeowners can help crews work efficiently and keep Milwaukee’s neighborhoods clean and safe.

Original reporting: FOX6 WITI – local news — read the source article.