 How to dispose of fall leaves
Be-leaf it or not, fall is here, and the leaves are piling up! Louisville residents have several ways to clear leaves from their yards while keeping them out of the streets and storm drains. Drop them off for free, use Republic Services curbside pickup, put them in your compost bin, or mulch them at home.
1. Drop-off site (Louisville Sports Complex)
Louisville residents can easily drop off their leaves at our designated location where we will use them for compost. This resource is available to Louisville residents only, and you may be asked to show proof of residency at the drop-off site.
Location and schedule
Drop-off guidelines
Louisville is one of a few cities on the front range that offers a free leaf drop-off location for all residents. Help us keep this service running smoothly by following these rules:
-
Accepted materials: Only leaves and grass clippings are allowed. Please, no trash, branches, or plastic garbage bags.
- If you collect leaves in bags (paper OR plastic), remember to empty the leaves from the bags at the drop-off area. Garbage bag disposal is available onsite.
Need to dispose of branches or tree limbs?
Residents can make an appointment to drop them off at the Branch Recycle Site by calling the City Forester at 303-335-4733. Leaves are not accepted at the Branch Recycle Site.
2. Republic Services curbside pickup events
Republic Services will pickup up to twenty (20) compostable bags and five bundles of shrubbery and tree limbs cut to 4’ length, no more than 18” in diameter, tied with twine or rope on specified dates. Please have items out by 7 a.m. in the street/gutter area.
October 2026 pickup dates
-
Saturday, Oct. 17 for customers serviced Monday–Wednesday
- Saturday, Oct. 24 for customers serviced Thursday–Friday
3. Compost bins
You can use your Republic Services compost bin to dispose of leaves. If you need more space, upgrading to a 95-gallon bin is included in your monthly service (contact Republic Customer Service at 303-286-5400 to upgrade). Simply toss your leaves into the compost bin, and Republic Services will handle the rest.
4. Mulching & "leave the leaves"
Consider mulching leaves with your lawn mower to add nutrients back into your lawn. You can also rake whole leaves into garden beds or around trees, where they provide winter shelter for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Just be sure that any mulched leaves or flammable vegetation is away from your home and outside your home ignition zone.
Important reminder: Keep leaves out of streets and gutters
Do not rake or blow leaves into streets or gutters. Leaves can block storm drains, cause flooding, and pollute local waterways. Use one of the leaf disposal options above instead.
Why should you dispose of leaves?
When leaves are left to accumulate on streets and sidewalks, they can wash into storm drains and eventually make their way into our waterways. This can cause buildup and add excess nutrients to our local streams and lakes, which can be harmful to fish and wildlife. By properly disposing of your leaves, you're helping keep our water clean and our aquatic ecosystems safe!
For updated schedule and information about disposal of other yard waste, visit our Leaf & Branch Drop-Off Information page.
|
