The City of Eugene will kick off its annual leaf collection and delivery efforts starting November 9. Removing leaves from catch basins, grates and gutters allows storm water to run off and prevents flooding.
Keeping leaves out of the drainage system also improves water quality because decomposing leaves use up oxygen that is needed by aquatic life in local streams and rivers. And removing slippery leaves from streets and sidewalks makes travel safer for people walking, biking and driving.
Property owners are responsible, and bear liability, for leaves that are placed improperly in the street or cause safety or localized flooding hazards.
Schedule Information
See our Leaf Collection and Delivery Program web page to learn when to pile your leaves neatly in a row parallel to the curb, order leaf deliveries, or report hazards such as leaves in a bike lane. People should place their leaves in the street the weekend before crews are scheduled to be in their neighborhood. The second round of leaf collection will start in January.
Eugene's leaf collection and delivery program is funded by stormwater fees because proper use and disposal of leaves keeps decaying leaves out of local creeks and rivers and helps prevent localized flooding caused by blocked storm drains.
For ease of operations, Lane County collects leave in the Santa Clara area. Eugene Public Works collects leaves along River Road south of the Beltline Highway.
Leaf Preparation Guidelines
Public safety and operational efficiency are our top priorities. Here are some tips to help meet those objectives:
- Leaves must be in the paved roadway but piled at least 15 feet away from parked vehicles. Do not bag leaves.
- Do not pile leaves in bike or traffic lanes or on curbs or sidewalks.
- Keep storm drains and gutters clear to prevent localized flooding.
- Do not mix in other debris such as branches, rocks, lawn clippings, pine needles, or trash.
- Leaves are not picked up in private yards.
- Wait to put leaves in the street until the weekend prior to collection.
- Consider recycling leaves as compost or mulch material.
- Unimproved streets are picked up during both rounds but equipment must be able to reach the leaves from the hard road surface.
Outside the City of Eugene
Lane County and the City of Springfield are also preparing to kick-off their annual leaf collection efforts: