MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works announces that residents may rake their leaves into the curb lanes beginning Sunday, October 1 and ending Wednesday, November 15.

Leaves and brush, along with other yard waste, are banned from landfills and must not be placed in garbage or recycling carts. DPW collects leaves, brush and yard waste separately from garbage and composts it, which conserves natural resources while saving the City money. Residents are also encouraged to mulch leaves and leave grass clippings on the lawn. This saves time and money, and adds nutrients to the soil.

Tips for a successful fall leaf collection:

• Rake leaf piles into the street but keep them away from storm drains and sewer grates
• Keep leaf piles away from the curb – give a one-foot space
• Place garden debris on top of leaf piles
• Do not put leaves in plastic or paper bags
• Do not put leaves in garbage carts
• Pumpkins – Compost them if they have no melted candle wax or decorations. Otherwise, place them in your garbage cart, NOT IN THE LEAF PILE
• Do not put brush into the street – place it on the grass next to the curb. Call 286-CITY through November for a pick-up. Brush is defined as woody stalks such as tree branches and bushes.

Sanitation staff collects an average of 15,000 tons of leaves each year between mid-October and the first week of December. Last year 12,908 tons of leaves were collected.