Milwaukee Extends Fall Leaf Collection to November 29
Some trees are dropping leaves later than usual, prompting the city to push back its original November 15 deadline.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Home Organization
The Milwaukee Department of Public Works has extended the fall leaf collection deadline to November 29, up from the original November 15 date. The city says crews have worked extended shifts since mid-October to keep up with the load.
Why it matters
Some trees are dropping their leaves later than usual this year, so the extension gives Milwaukee residents more time to get leaves to the curb. Residents who miss the deadline will face the final collection round that follows.
The city extended its fall leaf collection deadline by two weeks, from November 15 to November 29, with the final round expected to take two to three weeks. The announcement does not specify when individual neighborhoods will be serviced.
The players
Milwaukee Department of Public Works
The city agency responsible for municipal services including street maintenance and leaf collection in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The details
Residents may rake loose leaves into the curb lane or place them in paper yard waste bags, but plastic bags are not accepted. Piles should sit about one foot from the curb and stay clear of storm drains, and leaves cannot go in regular garbage or recycling carts.
Timeline
November 15: original fall leaf collection deadline.
Mid-October: DPW crews began extended shifts.
November 29: extended fall leaf collection deadline.
November 30 to the second or third week of December: final leaf pickup window.
Seasonal Patterns
The November 15 deadline Milwaukee set for its original schedule was built on typical leaf-drop timing, which has shifted this year. The later-than-usual drop is what pushed the city to move its collection window out two weeks.
Milwaukee homeowners have until November 29 to rake leaves into the curb lane or bag them in paper yard waste bags, with piles kept about one foot from the curb. Residents can track progress on the city's live map or report missed leaves through the Unified Call Center.
The takeaway
Bagging leaves in paper yard waste bags and keeping piles clear of storm drains helps crews move faster on the final round. Calling 414-286-2489 or filing online through milwaukee.gov/click4action is the fastest way to flag a missed pickup.
What happens next
The final leaf pickup round is expected to begin after November 29 and run two to three weeks, though snow and ice could cause delays.
Further reading
For more on managing household clutter and yard debris, explore Home Organization coverage.
More information
Track collection progress on the city's live leaf collection map.
