Leaf collection begins in mid-October, and ends in early December (weather dependent).

To ensure that leaves from your property are collected, please follow these guidelines:

* Place leaf piles as close to the edge of the street as possible. Think of higher piles, not wider piles. It's important to allow for two-way vehicular traffic at all times.

* Do NOT place leaf piles in the drainage ditch. Leaf removal crews will not rake out ditches.

* Homeowners with addresses on Santa Barbara and Bloomfield should place leaf piles along adjacent side streets.

* Do NOT include trash, animal feces, twigs, branches, grass clippings, flowers, and other yard waste with leaves. They often cause mechanical malfunctions. If the leaf removal crew discovers these items in a leaf pile, they will leave it and move on to the next address.

* Help ensure crew safety and timely removal by placing leaf piles several feet from garbage cans and other refuse.

* Expect some residue - "leaf dust". It is an inevitable by-product of the leaf collection method and equipment.

* Do NOT park vehicles on or near leaf piles.

* Please be patient. The leaf collection schedule is weather-dependent. it takes longer to collect wet leaves. Several windy days in a row often result in larger leaf piles, which can also take longer to collect.

* If you prefer, you may still use yard waste bags for leaves during the season.

* If you employ a landscape company, please advise them of these guidelines.