Mayor Bowser Kicks Off 2026-2027 Leaf Season

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined the Department of Public Works (DPW) to announce that the District’s 2026–2027 leaf collection season will begin on Monday, November 2. During the annual fall kickoff, Mayor Bowser highlighted the essential role residents play in keeping neighborhoods clean, protecting the District’s waterways, and turning fallen leaves and food scraps into valuable compost. 

“Keeping the District clean and beautiful is a shared responsibility, and leaf collection is one of the best examples of how residents and government work together to get the job done,” said Mayor Bowser. “When residents rake their leaves out properly and our crews collect them, we’re cleaning our streets, protecting our environment, and putting organic material to good use. So, be on the lookout for your leaf collection notice and let’s work together to get the job done.”

Each year, DPW crews collect thousands of tons of leaves from residential streets across all eight wards. The seasonal operation prevents leaves from clogging storm drains and supports the District’s sustainability efforts by diverting organic material from the waste stream.

“Leaf collection is a complex operation and an important service we know our residents rely on,” said DPW Interim Director Chris Rodriguez. “Our crews are preparing to serve neighbors across all 8 wards, and we’re asking residents to do their part by checking their collection schedules and raking leaves out during their assigned week. When we work together, our streets stay cleaner and safer for everyone.”

District officials also highlighted the District’s continued progress in expanding opportunities for residents to divert organic waste from landfills and turn it into nutrient-rich compost. Throughout the Bowser Administration, the District’s food composting programs—including residential curbside collection, weekend farmers market drop-off sites, and 24-hour smart bins—have collected more than 11 million pounds of food waste for composting. In 2026, DPW’s Food Waste Smart Bin Program reached a significant milestone, collecting more than one million pounds of food waste since the program’s launch. DPW is currently expanding the number of community-based bins from 31 locations to more than 50 locations across the District, providing residents with more opportunities to dispose of food scraps responsibly.

Residents can also participate in the District’s composting efforts this fall by dropping off pumpkins, gourds, and other acceptable food scraps at designated food waste collection locations. Pumpkins containing paint, glitter, or other non-compostable decorations cannot be accepted.

What Residents Need to Know About the 2026-2027 Leaf Collection Season

• The 2026–2027 leaf collection season begins Monday, November 2, with crews starting in Section A. Residents in Section A should rake their leaves out by Sunday, November 1.
• Every residential street that receives DPW trash and recycling collection services will receive at least two scheduled leaf collections during the season. 
• Neighborhoods throughout Wards 1 through 8 are organized into Sections A through D, allowing crews to coordinate collections across the District.

DPW will provide residents with approximately 10 days’ advance notice of their scheduled collection period. Weekly updates will help residents know when to rake leaves into tree boxes or along the curb in front of their homes.

Residents can stay informed through the following resources:

• Leaf Tracker: dpw.dc.gov/leaf
• MyDPW App: Available through the Apple App Store and Google Play
• DPW Leaf Line: (202)-671-LEAF (5323)
• DPW Stakeholder Newsletter
• Social Media: @dcdpw on X and Instagram; DC Department of Public Works on Facebook

Leaf Collection Tips for Residents

• Rake leaves into tree boxes or along the curb by the Sunday before their scheduled collection week.
• Keep vehicles away from leaf piles and curb lanes whenever possible to allow vacuum equipment to operate.
• Remove sticks, bottles, cans, toys, and other debris that can damage collection equipment.
• Use paper bags only when bagging leaves. Leaves in plastic bags cannot be composted and will be collected as trash.
• Check the Leaf Tracker and MyDPW app for collection updates and schedule changes.
• Report missed leaf collections through 311.dc.gov or by calling 311 only after DPW has completed service in that section.
  • Leaf collection may be temporarily interrupted by snow, freezing rain, or ice, when DPW personnel and equipment must shift to the District’s snow response operations. If this occurs, residents should not submit a missed collection service request as crews will resume leaf collection when conditions improve.
  • Only make a service request for missed leaf collection seven days after collection has ended in your section.

Leaf collection brochures will be mailed to residents who receive DPW sanitation collection service. For more information about the 2026–2027 leaf collection season, visit dpw.dc.gov/leaf.