Lima's Streets Department will open the city's yearly leaf collection on Monday, Nov. 16, 2026, according to a city announcement. Work starts in Wards 1, 4, 5 and 6; Wards 2, 3 and 7 are to follow as each earlier section is finished. The city says it will post weekly updates so residents can estimate when crews will reach their neighborhoods.
Residents should rake leaves onto the curb lawn rather than into the street. According to the city, leaves left in the roadway can create safety hazards, block storm drains and slow the work. Piles should hold only leaves; rocks, grass clippings, tree limbs and similar material should be kept out, because only clean piles will be picked up. Officials encourage residents to have leaves ready once crews begin in their ward.
For disposal before collection arrives, small amounts of leaves can be bagged and set out with regular trash. Free leaf bags are offered to city residents who show a copy of their City water bill, though the announcement text does not list distribution sites. Larger volumes of tree and leaf debris may be brought to the Compost Facility at 1227 E. Hanthorn Road before pickup starts, again with a water bill copy. A city interactive ward map is available for residents uncertain which ward they live in.
The city describes the program as a way to keep neighborhoods clean, support stormwater management and improve roadway safety during the shift from fall to winter.