Loose leaf collection is returning to Jackson this fall. The City of Jackson Department of Public Works (DPW) is starting the Fall 2020 Loose Leaf Collection Program on Monday, Nov. 2. The DPW is planning two rounds of leaf collection in every section of the City from Monday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 10.

Following equipment and weather challenges last year, the DPW has revised collection procedures and has since obtained new equipment to provide a more efficient leaf collection. The DPW now has four leaf vacuum machines that will be running simultaneously in different parts of the City to aid in a timelier pickup.

For this year’s collection, the DPW asks residents to place loose leaf piles along curbs in the street. Placing leaves on the street level along curbs helps crews perform a more effective collection. Residents are urged to not put out leaf piles in the curb line of streets until 48 hours before their scheduled pickup. Having leaf piles in streets for long periods of time hinders street cleanliness, clogs storm drains, and can permanently damage pavement. It’s also very important for residents to remove vehicles from streets when collection is happening in their neighborhood. Leaves will not be collected if they can’t be reached by crews.

A map that shows collection sections and pickup dates is available on the City website. The City is divided into 10 sections, with each section receiving two rounds of collection. To provide a more effective collection, the DPW is changing its pickup pattern. On Monday, Nov. 2, crews are starting in Section 1 (southwest side) and Section 6 (northeast side). The Section 1 crew will move east through Section 5 and the Section 6 crew will move west through Section 10.

The City encourages residents to stay up-to-date on the collection program so they know when it’s coming to their street. In addition to reading a mailer that’s sent to every address in the City, residents can stay informed through these communication channels:

• Sign up for CodeRED. Users of this system are given advanced notice of when leaf collection is coming to their area through phone calls, emails and texts.
• Check for updates on the City website by visiting cityofjackson.org/leafcollection.
• “Like” the City’s Facebook page for regular updates.
• Call the Leaf Collection Phone Line at 517-768-6088 to hear collection updates.
• Questions are directed to the DPW at 517-788-4170.