Curbside Leaf Collection and Yard Waste

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Yard waste must be placed in biodegradable bags and will be collected on regular collection days. Yard waste stickers are NO LONGER REQUIRED on each bag. 


Curbside Leaf Collection

With approximately 35,000 trees, it is no wonder that University City is often called the "Tree City." To maintain the attractiveness of the City, once these trees have shed their leaves, the Street Maintenance Division conducts city- wide curbside leaf collections during the fall and spring each year. The program runs for three (3) weeks in the spring and six (6) weeks in the fall. Residents can rake the leaves to the curb line on the street for collection during scheduled leaf collection periods.  Residents shall not place, sweep, or deposit leaves into a street more than three (3) days before the first (1st) day of the established leaf collection time period or after the last day of the established leaf collection time period for that area or zone.

Leaf Collection Guidelines to Residents 

To ensure prompt service, leaves must be raked to the curb line the Sunday before collection begins in your area. To check for collection dates in your area, refer to the schedule below or look for the white banners in your area announcing collection times. Yard waste bags are not required if you choose to rake the leaves to the curb line for collection by University City staff during scheduled leaf collection periods. 

Please do not mix other yard waste (gumballs, trash, small tree branches/limbs, brush and grass clippings) in with leaves. Yard waste should be placed in the biodegradable bags to be picked up by the City on your regular trash and recycling collection day. Contact Street Division at 314-505-8575 with questions.

Zone by Street Name

2026 Fall Leaf Collection Map Schedule


Yard Waste Collection

In 1992, the State of Missouri banned all yard waste from entering area landfills. To provide an environmentally sound, yet convenient and cost effective alternative, the City offers curbside collection of yard waste to all of its residents.

Under the Yard Waste Program, residents must place leaves, twigs, plants, or small brush in 30-gallon biodegradable bags.

Residents must follow these guidelines for yard waste disposal:

  • Leaves and grass must be placed in brown, biodegradable paper bags.
  • No dirt, wood chips, or logs are accepted in the yard bags.
  • All brush must be tied in bundles no larger than 4' by 2' wide, with branches no thicker than 3 inches in diameter.
  • Yard waste is picked up on the same day as trash and recycling. For further details contact the Public Works Department 314-505-8560.
  • Curbside pickup of holiday trees occurs during the first two weeks of January on your regular collection day - please remove all lights, decorations and other items.