Upper Arlington's curbside leaf collection begins the week of Oct. 19 and runs through the week of Dec. 7. The city announced the schedule Sept. 22, noting the program is weather-dependent.

Residents can start raking leaves to the curb over the Saturday, Oct. 10, weekend. The city asks that residents stop placing leaves out at least one week before the program ends.

The Public Works Division, which runs the program, said the collection window stays the same each year because the department has to fit the service around other seasonal work.

How to track crews

The city plans to post a Leaf Collection Tracking Map on its website once the program begins. The map will let residents follow crew progress and anticipate when collectors will reach their street.

Placement rules

The rules are specific.

Leaves must be loose-raked and placed in the tree lawn close to the curb. Piles should extend no more than two feet behind the curb and must not sit in the street or gutter.

The city said debris mixed into leaf piles, including grass clippings, rocks and sticks, poses a serious danger to collection crews. Residents should keep those materials out of their piles entirely.

Parked vehicles must be at least 15 feet from either side of a leaf pile so trucks and leaf machines can reach the leaves safely.

Piles should also be kept clear of signposts, light poles, trees and mailboxes. Leaf piles that block storm sewers can increase the chance of flooding during heavy rain, the city said.

Yard waste options outside the program

Weekly yard waste collection continues during the leaf program for other debris.

Outside the collection window, residents should bag leaves in approved biodegradable bags or trash cans marked "Yard Waste" and set them out on their regular collection day.

Residents can also drop off yard waste for free at the Ohio Mulch facility at 4120 Roberts Road. Hours are available at ohiomulch.com/apps/store-locator or by calling 614-921-9330.