Loose Leaf Collection

Curbside loose leaf collection is available twice a year—in spring and fall—for single-family homes and townhouses only. Collection occurs weekly on your regular recycling day, but please note there may be a one- to two-day delay during peak periods.

Leaves must be placed at the street curb by 7 a.m. on your recycling day. Leaves placed in alleys or mews will not be collected.

Fall Loose Leaf Collection

Occurs from the last week of October through the last full week of December, weather permitting.

Spring Loose Leaf Collection

Occurs from the last week of March through the first two weeks of April, weather permitting.

Please review the calendar below for specific collection dates.

Fall Loose Leaf Collection Period

  • Date: -  

Loose leaf collection for single-family and townhouse owners in the City begins Monday, October 26, and continues through Friday, December 24, 2026, weather permitting. Collection is made weekly on your regular recycling day, though there may be a one- to two-day delay during busy periods.

Place leaves at the street curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day. Leaves placed in alleys or mews will not be collected. After the collection period ends, leaves may be placed in biodegradable brown paper bags and set out curbside with yard waste on your weekly recycling collection day.

Important Guidelines

  • Remove limbs, rocks, and other heavy objects from leaf piles.
  • Never drive over or park on a leaf pile, and please do not allow children to play in leaves along the street.
  • During periods of potential storm activity, delay leaf raking until after the storm has passed.
  • Do not rake leaves into gutters or streets. Instead, rake them into grassy areas behind the curb line. This allows stormwater to reach catch basins and helps prevent clogs and street flooding. Assistance moving leaves already in gutters to grassy areas is greatly appreciated.
  • The burning of leaves is not permitted in the City.

Consider “Leaving the Leaves”

Before you begin your yard cleanup, consider waiting. Hold off until temperatures consistently stay above 50°F—many butterflies, bees, and other pollinators overwinter in dead leaves and hollow stems from last year’s plants. Cleaning too early could mean discarding this year’s pollinators. Learn more about the benefits of leaving the leaves here.

Recycle Coach

To help residents reduce waste and recycle smarter, the City encourages downloading the free Recycle Coach app. This online tool provides:

  • Collection reminders and service updates
  • A searchable guide to properly dispose of hundreds of items
  • Event calendars with notifications, including loose leaf collection reminders

Learn more about Recycle Coach here.

Questions?

For more information on loose leaf collection, click here or contact the Department of Public Works at 301-258-6370 or recycle@gaithersburgmd.gov.

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Loose Leaf Collection Guidelines

  • Collection is suspended on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  • Collection is also suspended during inclement weather. During potential storm activity, please delay leaf raking until after the storm has passed.
  • Remove all limbs, rocks, and other heavy objects from leaf piles. These items can damage equipment and delay collection.
  • Never drive over or park on leaf piles.
  • Keep children away from leaf piles along the street for their safety.
  • Do not rake leaves into gutters or streets. Instead, rake them into grassy areas behind the curb line to allow stormwater to reach catch basins. This helps prevent clogged drains and street flooding. Your assistance in moving any leaves already in gutters to grassy areas is greatly appreciated.
  • Leaf burning is not permitted in the City.

Yard Waste Collection

Brush & Branches

Collected on your recycling day when placed at the curb. Items must be:

  • Laid straight and tied in bundles or placed in biodegradable brown paper bags
  • No more than 4 inches in diameter
  • No longer than 6 feet in length
  • Weighing no more than 40 pounds

Grass Clippings & Other Yard Trimmings

Collected on your recycling day when placed at the curb in biodegradable brown paper bags.

Please note:

  • Dirt, rocks, and mulch are not accepted as yard waste.
  • Holiday trees are considered yard waste and will be collected following these guidelines.

Need more info? Check out Recycle Coach for answers to all your recycling and yard waste questions..