Milwaukee Spring Leaf Cleanup Deadline This Sunday

Winter weather could impact collection schedule as city works to clear streets and storm drains.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:08am

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The deadline for Milwaukee residents to get leaves to the street for the city's one-time spring leaf cleanup is this Sunday, March 15. However, expected winter weather this weekend may delay the start of the collection process as crews first focus on snow removal duties.

Why it matters

Proper leaf collection helps reduce flooding, protect water quality, and make streets safer for walking, biking, and driving. The city's leaf cleanup program is an important annual service that residents rely on.

The details

The Milwaukee Department of Public Works says the winter weather will likely result in a snow operation first, and crews will begin the final leaf collection cycle as soon as snow duties are completed. Residents are asked to clean up their curb areas and rake leaves into the street with a one-foot gap from the curb. Compostable paper lawn bags will also be accepted during the collection.

  • The deadline for residents to get leaves to the street is March 15.
  • Weather permitting, the final leaf collection cycle is expected to begin on Monday, March 16.

The players

Milwaukee Department of Public Works

The city agency responsible for managing the spring leaf cleanup program and coordinating collection efforts.

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What’s next

The city said compostable paper lawn bags will also be accepted during Project Clean & Green, the cleanup effort that follows the spring leaf rake-out and begins in late April.

The takeaway

This year's spring leaf cleanup in Milwaukee has been complicated by unexpected winter weather, but the city is working to complete the collection process as soon as snow removal duties allow. Residents are encouraged to prepare their curb areas and take advantage of the paper bag collection option.