Wilmington’s Department of Public Works will launch its annual leaf collection program on Monday, October 14, 2024, offering residents a vital opportunity to properly dispose of fallen leaves and yard debris. The initiative, which runs through Friday, December 20, aims to keep streets clean, reduce potential hazards, and protect the environment by managing the natural buildup of leaves in public spaces. Residents are asked to sweep their leaves into the street, directly next to the curb, where City sweeper or vacuum trucks will collect them on designated days. The complete collection schedule is available online at WilmingtonDE.gov/leafcollection. “Proper leaf collection plays a critical role in keeping our stormwater systems clear and preventing potential flooding,” said Public Works Commissioner Kelly A. Williams. “It also helps reduce the amount of decaying organic material in streets, which can pose safety risks for drivers and pedestrians.” File Photo: Volunteers assembled to take part in the West Side Grows Together 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King community cleanup Monday. Jan. 17, 2022, at West 7th Street & North Jackson Streets in Wilmington, DE. Photo Saquan Stimpson Residents in areas where streets cannot accommodate the City’s vacuum vehicles should bag their leaves in brown paper bags and place them at the curb for pickup. Public Works will collect the bags on Wednesdays, alongside regular yard waste. The City encourages residents working with private contractors to ensure that contractors coordinate collection with the City’s schedule or bag the leaves in accordance with City guidelines. The importance of proper leaf disposal cannot be overstated. Left unchecked, leaves can clog drains and create a breeding ground for pests, as well as contribute to water pollution by carrying excess nutrients and debris into nearby waterways. By participating in the City’s collection program, Wilmingtonians help maintain cleaner, safer streets and contribute to the overall health of the local environment. For more information on the leaf collection program, residents can dial 3-1-1 or visit WilmingtonDE.gov/311.