Leaf Removal Program

Rake it. Pile it. We'll Handle the Rest

By ordinance open burning is not allowed within city limits. Therefore, The City of Elkhart offers a Leaf Removal Program. To participate, rake your leaves to the curb* or if you prefer, you can also bag your leaves and place them by the curb, and the Street Department will pick them up.

Our Leaf Removal Program typically runs in the fall (mid-October through mid-December) and in the spring (mid-March through mid-April). Please note that dates may vary depending on weather conditions and department schedule.

*Please do not place leaves in the street, as they can create safety hazards and clog storm drains.

Your Leaf Pickup Starts Here!

Our Spring Leaf Pickup Program began on March 16th, 2026. We officially finished our routes April 2nd, 2026, but we will continue accepting requests for leaf removal until April 27th, 2026.

Residents will have until April 27th, 2026 to rake or bag their leaves, place them by the curb, and submit a pickup request. This can be done on MyElkhart311 or calling the Street Department at (574) 293-5518. Only the addresses that have submitted a request by this date will be included on our final leaf-collection list, and scheduled to be picked up by May 1st, 2026.

After that date, if you still have leaves, Borden's Waste Away will allow up to 2 trash bags inside your trash cart per week. If you have additional bags, or bags that will not fit in your regular trash cart, you will need to attach a ‘bag tag’ to the additional bag to receive service. Please contact Borden's Waste Away at (574) 293-5001 for more information. Thank you!

Please reach out to our department if you have any questions or concerns. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we continue our efforts to provide exceptional service to our community.