The Streets Department’s 2023 Leaf Recycling Program begins on Monday, Nov. 6 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 16. The program is one of several services provided by the Streets Department that helps reduce the amount of materials that reach the waste stream.

During the six-week program, bagged leaf drop-off will be offered citywide at various locations. West Philadelphia residents can drop off bagged leaves at 54th & Woodbine Avenue or 43rd & Powelton Avenue on the following Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.:

November 11
November 18
December 2
December 9
December 16

Follow these tips for bagged leaf collection: 

• Bagged leaves will only be accepted in biodegradable paper bags. These bags can be processed for recycling along with the leaves. This reduces contamination in the recycling process.
• Do not mix trash or other recyclable materials with bagged leaves. This contaminates leaves and makes them unfit for recycling purposes.
• Use as many bags as needed, maximum 40 lbs. each.

Bagged leaves may also be taken to any Sanitation Convenience Centers, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Mechanical leaf collection will be provided as a supplement to bagged collections in areas known to have a heavy accumulation of leaves. The mechanical leaf collection operation will include leaf blowers, mechanical sweepers, and leaf loaders. Mechanical collection crews will concentrate their efforts in designated boundaries each week, following a strategic schedule to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Follow these tips for mechanical leaf collection:

• Visit phila.gov/leaf-recycling to search an address.
• All leaves should be raked and ready for collection by 7 a.m. the day of mechanical collection. Rake leaves into the street by the curb’s edge (piling is not necessary).
• If possible, move your vehicle to an off-street parking location on your scheduled collection day, so crews can remove leaves along the curb line.
• Mechanical collection crews will visit routes only once. Residents are urged to sweep and bag any remaining leaves and set out for collection on trash day or take them to any bagged drop-off locations or Sanitation Convenience Center.
• The Streets Department does not provide biodegradable bags. Residents may purchase them at their local home improvement stores.
• No collection will occur on a City-observed holiday.

Below is the mechanical leaf collection schedule for West Philadelphia.

Week #2: November 13 – 17 

Monday, Nov. 13:

– 72nd to 66th Streets, from Malvern Avenue to City Avenue
– 66th to 63rd Streets, from Malvern Avenue to City Avenue

Tuesday, Nov. 14:

– 63rd to 58th Streets, from Upland Way to City Avenue

Wednesday, Nov. 15:

– Ford Road to Conshohocken Avenue, from Monument Road to Falls Road
– 58th to 54th Streets, from Upland Way to City Avenue
– Wynnefield Avenue to Jefferson Street, from 54th Street to Parkside Avenue

Thursday, Nov. 16:

– 54th Street to Belmont Ave, from Wynnefield Avenue to City Avenue

Friday, Nov. 17:

– 38th to 52nd Streets from Baltimore Avenue to Spruce Street
– Belmont Avenue to Lenape Road, from City Avenue to Sorrento Street & Conshohocken Avenue

During this six-week program, leaves will be collected for composting purposes, like fertilizing gardens and nourishing trees. Residents may call 311 or visit phila.gov/leaf-recycling for more information.