The Town will begin leaf collection on November 12th . Crews will begin in Area 1. Once Area 1 has been completed, crews will move into Area 2. Collection schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Because of this, we cannot determine when the crews will be at a specific location. Please scan the QR code below for daily updates or visit us online at:

https://www.manchesterct.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works/Leaf-Collection-Program

As a reminder, each street will be scheduled for only ONE curbside collection. Leaves are particularly dry this year due to the continued drought, so during collection it is likely there will be a lot of dust and leaf particles floating through the air making vehicles dirty. Crews will do their best to mitigate this and appreciate the community’s patience and understanding. 

Below are some helpful hints when placing your leaves out for collection:

• Sidewalk with grass divider: place leaves between the sidewalk and the street

• Sidewalk next to the street: place leaves on the back of the sidewalk, keeping 3 feet clear for pedestrians

• No sidewalk: place leaves no more than 8 feet from the street, behind the back of the curb. Do not block the sidewalk or place leaves in the road.

Below are some things to avoid when placing your leaves out for collection:

• Do not place leaves in the street or storm drains

• Do not place brush, refuse, rocks and other debris with your piles of leaves. If your leaves are full of debris, they will not be collected as they may cause damage to collection equipment.

• Do not let children play in leaf piles raked to the curb.

Other Collection Options: 

• Curbside Paper Leaf Bags: 

• Residents can set out paper leaf bags for curbside collection on the day of their normal refuse | recycling day. Do not mix refuse with the leaves.  

• Curbside collection of paper leaf bags will continue from now to the 2nd week in January.  

• Leaves in barrels, plastic bags, or cardboard containers will NOT be collected. 

• Paper bags are available for sale at the Transfer Station, the Town Hall and the Senior Center. Leaf bags purchased from retail stores are also acceptable. 

• Drop off Sites:  

• Residents may drop loose or bagged leaves at the Transfer Station year-round during regular business hours.

• When the Transfer Station is closed, ONLY residents may drop off loose or bagged leaves at the parking lot at 263 Olcott St (Oct 11 -Dec 31). No brush or plastic bags. Contractors are not allowed to use this drop site. Scan the QR code for daily updates on leaf collection. 

Leaf Fire Safety –  a memo from the Fire Marshal’s office:

•  Given the current weather conditions, the Town of Manchester has issued a NO-BURN order for ALL outdoor fires, this includes all normally permissible fires (fire pits, chimineas, etc.). 

•  During Halloween week, please avoid open flames for your festivities. Consider a battery operated light source. Every leaf is potential fuel, so keep your family and neighborhood safe. 

• Dispose of smoking materials in a secure, fire-safe container or bucket of water. Even something as small as a cigarette can ignite a fire. 

• Avoid parking in high grass or piles of leaves as the heat from the vehicle exhaust will ignite the leaves and your vehicle.

•  Use caution while performing yard work, such as mowing / leaf blowing or using power tools that could create sparks. A small spark or contact with a hot muffler is enough to ignite leaves. Try to limit these activities on particularly dry and windy days. 

• Clear leaves around your home, vehicles, decks, gutters and fences. 

• The burning of leaves is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

•  If you see smoke or signs of fire, don’t wait—report it immediately. Call 9-1-1 as quickly as possible and provide them with the location of the flames. Quick action is essential to prevent a small fire from becoming a larger, more dangerous blaze. 

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH A FIRE BEFORE CALLING 911