Questions and Answers about Dayton's
Leaf Collection Operation

Curbside Leaf Pick-Up Has Changed
to “Bagged” Collection Service.

In 2010, the City of Dayton changed from its traditional leaf collection system to a “bagged” collection service. Please read the following Q & A's for more details. Look for additional information in the home mailer, including coupons that entitle you to free biodegradable leaf collection bags.

How Has the City's Leaf Collection Process Changed?
City of Dayton crews have traditionally used large leaf collection trucks to pick up leaves that have been raked loosely to the curb line. This practice was discontinued in 2010 to help control costs. Residents must now place leaves in 100 percent biodegradable bags (plastic not accepted) and set the bags at the curb line (on the tree lawn) during your scheduled collection cycles. (View one-minute video describing the change.) Placing loose leaves in the street or curb area may result in a fine.

How Often Will My Bagged Leaves be Collected?
Leaf collection service has been increased from two dates to four during the fall season. The four leaf pick-up days are tied directly to your individual waste collection schedule. Use this interactive MAP to type in your address and view your specific waste, recycling, and leaf collection schedules. 


IMPORTANT: You must place bagged leaves at the curb (tree lawn) by 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled leaf collection day. Please position your biodegradable leaf bags separately from your normal waste collection/recycling containers.

What Happens to the Bags Once They are Collected?
City crews collect the bagged leaves for disposal at City-owned composting sites, not the landfill. This is why leaves must be placed in biodegradable bags only.

Can I Drop Off Leaves at Area Composting Sites Myself?
Yes. From October 24-December 11, residents can drop off leaves at the three composting locations below between the extended hours of 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday; 12 p.m.-5:00 p.m. on Saturdays; and 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Leaves can be dropped at these sites without a paper bag, but they must be emptied from plastic bags. No grass, sticks, or other debris should be included.

• Lohrey Site: 2366 Glenarm Ave., behind the Lohrey Recreation Center at Belmont maintenance building.
• Gettysburg Landfill: 1826 Gettysburg Ave., north of McGee Blvd.
• Wagner Ford Landfill: 2670 Wagner Ford Road, across from Grafton Kennedy School. 

Can I Compost My Leaves Instead of Bagging Them?
Yes! Composting is the natural process of decomposition and recycling of organic material into a rich soil product known as compost. Creating a compost pile in your yard is a practical and convenient way to handle yard wastes, like fallen leaves, grass clippings, weeds, and the remains of garden plants. Compost also improves soil and the plants growing in it. If you have a garden, a lawn, trees, shrubs, or even planter boxes, you have a use for compost. For more information about composting, contact the Montgomery County Solid Waste District at 937-225-4998 or visit their web site at www.mcswd.org. Other helpful composting web sites include: www.howtocompost.org, www.compostingcouncil.org, and www.ohiocompost.org.

What Else Can I Do to Reduce the Amount of Leaves I Need to Bag?
Consider mowing your lawn more frequently. Mowing, especially with mulching mowers, helps return natural nutrients back into the soil without harmful chemicals and cuts down on the need to bag your leaves.

REMEMBER:
Leaves raked to the curb will not be collected. (Those violating the bag program and raking leaves to the curb will be assessed a $75 charge.) Loose leaves can clog catch basins and cause street flooding. If you have a sewer catch basin near your property, please clear away leaves or other debris on a regular basis.

For more information, call the City of Dayton
Department of Public Works at 333-4800.