Yard Waste & Leaf Pickup Service

Once your loose leaves are collected on or after Nov. 24, you need to bag any additional leaves for pickup on your regular collection day. PLEASE NOTE: Yard waste tags will not be required Nov. 6 through the end of the pickup season, which is the week of Dec. 11.

Crews have begun their final pass around the city, starting in Section 4. Sections 1-3 will receive an additional pass after Sections 4 and 5 are completed. The map below will continue to be updated across social channels and on our website as the collection period continues:




CURBSIDE LEAF COLLECTION FAQS

Why does fall curbside leaf collection take place only in November?
We chose Nov. 6-24 because that’s when falling leaves are at their
heaviest, enabling us to provide efficient, effective service and be good
stewards of public dollars. 

Do I need to tag yard waste during the pickup period?
No. Yard waste tags are not required Nov. 6 through the end of pickup season, which is the week of Dec. 11. Yard waste – including additional leaves after Nov. 24 – can be bagged and placed
to the curb during your regular collection day without the yard waste tag.

When will leaf collection take place in my neighborhood?
We will provide updates on the crews’ progress through the city on our
website and social media each week. Please note: The service schedule
may be impacted by weather conditions and leaf volumes.

What am I allowed to rake to the curb for pickup?
You may rake only leaves to the curb. Branches, yard debris and natural
fall decorations such as pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, hay bales, etc.
need to be properly bagged following the yard waste guidelines below.

What is the last day I can rake leaves to the curb?
All leaves must be raked to the curb by Nov. 24.

What do I do with leaves after Nov. 24?
After Public Works crews make their final pass through the city on or
after Nov. 24, any additional leaves must be bagged and placed on the
curb during your regular collection day. You won’t need to tag the bags.

Am I allowed to burn leaves?
No. City ordinance prohibits outdoor burning on public or private
property within city limits. It is illegal to burn leaves, garbage, rubbish,
refuse, trees, stumps and tires in Berkley. If you notice any outdoor
burning within city limits, please contact Public Safety at (248) 658-
3380.

When should I avoid parking along the curb?
During the curbside leaf collection period of Nov. 6-24, residents are
encouraged to avoid parking along the curb as much as possible 7
a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekdays.

Will the City pick up holiday trees this year?
No. The City will not pick up holiday trees this year. We are looking into
the best options for residents to discard holiday trees and will provide
an update soon.

YARD WASTE DETAILS:

• Yard waste is collected on your trash pickup day from the first full week of April through mid-December.
• Yard waste needs to be placed at the curb before 7 a.m. on your trash pickup day.
• Yard waste is grass, leaves, shrubbery cuttings, vines, rose bushes, roots, stumps and sticks.
• Yard debris must be placed in a paper yard waste bag. Otherwise, the yard debris must be placed in a container marked "yard waste" and cannot weigh more than 50 pounds.
• Branches smaller than 2 inches in diameter should be put out with yard waste.
• Branches larger than 2 inches in diameter should be cut into lengths of 2 to 4 1/2 feet, bundled with twine, tagged and placed at the curb on trash collection day. Bunches cannot weight more than 50 pounds. Please set bundles with cut ends at the curb. 
• During the offseason ONLY between mid-December to late March, paper yard waste bags may be dropped off at SOCRRA at no charge. SOCRRA is located at 995 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, MI 48084 (across from the Meijer gas station).

Is a yard tag required for each bag and can each time?
Yes. A new tag is required for each bag and can of yard waste every week. For example, if you use a reusable 32-gallon bin for your yard waste, you will need to put a new tag on it each time you want it picked up.

How much do yard waste tags cost?
Tags cost $3 each, or 4 for $10 ($2.50 each).

When can I purchase yard waste tags?
Tags are available for purchase at the Library and City Hall during normal business hours and at Public Safety 24/7. They’re also available at Durst Ace Hardware, 2450 W. 11 Mile Road, for $2.50 each. Durst purchased tags for 4 for $10 and is selling them at cost. Please note there is a $1.50 credit card fee at City Hall.  The Library and Public Safety accept only cash or check.

Can I purchase yard waste tags at Public Works?
No. Yard waste tags are not available at Public Works.

Can I use yard waste tags from previous years?
Yes. Yard waste tags will not expire at the end of the collection period and will be honored in the next year. 

Why is the yard waste tag system being implemented? 
Services such as yard waste collection were formally considered to be “free” because they were paid for through City taxes. Unfortunately, millage revenue can no longer fund the full cost of this service, and user-based fees are also needed to keep this service active in our community.

What does the Residential Refuse collection fee on my quarterly water bill cover?
The Residential Refuse fee on the quarterly water bill is used to help offset the cost of refuse, recycling and yard waste collection. Instead of raising the Residential Refuse fee for all residents, the City Council voted to implement the yard waste tag system to support yard waste collection specifically – a service not all residents use.

Is fall leaf curb pickup still happening?
Yes. Leaves may be raked to the curb in neat rows during the collection period Nov. 6-24. Sticks, twigs and other yard debris will not be accepted during curbside leaf pickup. Outside of this collection period, residents can dispose of leaves by placing them in yard waste bags for pickup on their regular collection day.