Traverse City's fall leaf pick-up program will begin Monday, October 26. Collection crews will begin on the west side of the city and move east over a period of 5-7 week days, then return to the west side to repeat the process. Pick-up will continue through November 20.

Residents are asked to wait until October 23 before placing any leaves in the street. Violators may be cited for a civil infraction, as city ordinance prohibits placing items in the street outside of the designated leaf collection period. Other leaf pick-up guidelines are as follows:

· NO plastic bags. Biodegradable paper bags are acceptable. Leaves may also be in loose piles.
· On curb & gutter streets, rake leaves down into street. Do not block catch basins.
· On all other streets, rake leaves to gravel shoulder or paved edge of the road.
· No leaves will be picked up in alleys, except homes along Division Street, East Front Street from Railroad Avenue to Munson Avenue, and Munson Avenue from East Front Street to Airport Access Road.
· No branches or brush will be picked up. Do not put them out for pick-up.
· Do not park vehicles over leaf piles in city streets.

For residents who wish to have yard waste collected prior to October 26, American Waste offers pick-up for $2.20 per bag as part of its service. Call American Waste at (231) 943-8088 for more information.