Fall 2026 Leaf Collection Schedules and Rules
✓ Last verified October 29, 2026 against official city and town sources. See sources.
Every town handles leaves differently. Some want them raked into the street, others ban that and want paper bags only. Here's what each city's official page says for fall 2026.
The short version
- Use paper leaf bags unless your city says otherwise. Jersey City, Clifton and the Philadelphia drop-offs don't accept plastic.
- Philadelphia mechanical collection areas: rake leaves into the street by 7 a.m. on your week. Clifton and the Town of Hempstead: don't rake leaves into the street.
- NYC: leaves go out every week with Curbside Composting.
By city and town
Philadelphia, PA 2026 schedule confirmed
The 2026 Leaf Recycling Program runs Monday, Nov 2 to Saturday, Dec 19.
Bagged leaf drop-off: bring leaves in large brown biodegradable paper bags to any of 15 sites on Saturdays Nov 7, Nov 21, Dec 5, Dec 12 and Dec 19, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. No brush, limbs, trash or recyclables.
Mechanical collection (by neighborhood): Oak Lane and Frankford Nov 2–6; West Nov 9–13; Northeast Nov 16–20 and Nov 23–27; South Nov 30–Dec 4; Northwest Dec 7–11 and Dec 14–18. Rake leaves into the street by 7 a.m. on your collection day, don't bag or pile them, and move your car off the street if you can.
- Program
- Nov 2 – Dec 19, 2026
- Drop-off Saturdays
- Nov 7, 21; Dec 5, 12, 19
- Drop-off hours
- 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Jersey City, NJ 2026 schedule confirmed
Put leaf bags at the curb on Wednesday evening for early Thursday morning collection. Don't use plastic bags.
South & West districts: Oct 15, Oct 29, Nov 12, Nov 26, Dec 10, Dec 24. North & East districts: Oct 8, Oct 22, Nov 5, Nov 19, Dec 3, Dec 17.
Free leaf bags are handed out with proof of residency on Saturdays, noon–3 p.m., at park locations from Oct 3 through Dec 19. They're also available weekdays 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at 13-15 Linden Avenue East.
- Set-out
- Wednesday evening
- No
- Plastic bags
- Free bags
- Linden Ave E, weekdays 9–3
Source: City of Jersey City – Recycle (2026 leaf collection)
New York City (DSNY) Year-round rule
All NYC residents can put out leaves, plant and yard waste for weekly Curbside Composting. Use paper lawn and leaf bags, clear plastic bags or a labeled bin. Twigs and branches can be bundled with twine next to them. Separating leaf and yard waste from trash is mandatory. Waste from commercial landscapers can't go out at the curb.
- When
- Weekly compost day
- Containers
- Paper bags, clear bags, labeled bin
Source: DSNY – Plant, Leaf, & Yard Waste
Town of Hempstead, NY 2026 schedule confirmed
Grass and leaves are collected separately, on Wednesdays only, and taken to composting. Crews take up to 25 bags a week, each 75 lb or less. In November 2026, Wednesday Nov 4 and Wednesday Nov 11 are skipped, and there's a Saturday, Nov 7 yard waste collection. Don't rake leaves into the street. Bundle branches about 2' x 2' x 4', up to 75 lb.
- Day
- Wednesday
- Limit
- 25 bags/week, 75 lb each
- Nov 2026 changes
- No pickup Nov 4 & 11; extra Sat Nov 7
Source: Town of Hempstead – Yard Waste
City of Clifton, NJ Last season's rules (2026 dates TBA)
The City's page still shows the 2025 season dates. The rules: leaves are collected weekly citywide. Put them at the curb Tuesday night for Wednesday pickup, in biodegradable paper bags or open containers of 35 gallons or less. No plastic bags or cardboard boxes. Property owners may not rake leaves into the street, and landscapers must remove the leaves they gather.
- Set-out
- Tuesday night
- Pickup
- Wednesday
- No
- Raking into street, plastic bags
Not listed yet: We haven't confirmed official 2026 leaf rules for Yonkers, Passaic or Paterson yet.
FAQ
When is leaf collection in Philadelphia in 2026?
Nov 2 – Dec 19, 2026. Mechanical collection depends on your neighborhood, and bagged drop-offs are on five Saturdays.
Can I use plastic bags for leaves in Jersey City?
No. The City says not to put leaves in plastic bags.