Montgomery County Begins Fall Leaves Pickup This Week (VIDEO)

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Division of Highway Services (DHS) begins its annual collection of leaves in the vacuum leaf collection district this week. DHS provides two collections on every district street during the fall. A third collection may also be provided on an as-needed basis.

The leaf vacuum collection district is bounded by I-495, I-270, the Rockville City limits, Norbeck, Bel Pre and Bonifant roads, Northwest Branch Park, and the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County lines.

Prior to collections, signs will be posted along streets indicating when to expect DHS trucks and directing residents to DHS’ website for more information.

Residents are asked to pile leaves near the street, but off the road. Also, avoid placing leaves on road shoulders, rain gardens and bike lanes. Placing leaves in these areas can disrupt traffic, negatively impact stormwater drainage, hamper snow removal operations, pose a risk of fire hazard for automobiles parked over them, limit the availability of residential parking and pose a safety risk to children and adults, alike. Leaves, especially when wet, can pose a hazard for cyclists and pedestrians.

The leaf collection program is restricted to leaves only. Tree debris, sticks, branches or coarse garden debris should be placed in containers or tied in bundles no more than four feet long and set out for yard trim pick up.

Residents who miss the two scheduled vacuum collections can still have their leaves collected by placing them in paper yard trim bags or reusable containers for pick up on their regular yard trim collection day. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be accepted.

For more information, call 311.

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