Wilmington, DE Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Leaf window
- Sept 22 – Dec 21 only
- Must notify
- Department of Public Works first
- Fine for skipping notice
- $25.00
- Not allowed on
- State-maintained highways
Summary
Wilmington lets homeowners rake fallen leaves to the curb each autumn only if they notify Public Works first, so city crews can schedule mulching pickup.
As an exception to the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, property owners may sweep into or deposit at the edge of any city street, unless otherwise prohibited and except for state-maintained highways, leaves that have fallen from trees in the autumn time of the year between September 22 and December 21, for collection by city department of public works' mulching or leaf collection equipment; further provided, that the property owner shall notify the department of public works that leaves have been deposited at the edge of the city street, identifying the location and requesting that the leaves be collected by the department of public works, following which the department of public works will schedule such collection. Failure to notify the department of public works shall be punishable upon conviction by a fine of $25.00. (Ord. No. 06-054(sub 1), § 6, 10-19-06; Ord. No. 19-054(sub 1), § 2, 1-16-20)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 36-241 bars sweeping litter or rubbish into the street, but carves out one exception: leaves that fall from trees between September 22 and December 21 may be swept to the curb for the city's mulching or leaf-collection equipment. The property owner must notify the department of public works, identifying the location and requesting pickup, before crews will schedule collection. This exception does not apply to state-maintained highways.
Violations & Fines
Sweeping leaves to the curb without notifying Public Works is punishable by a $25.00 fine upon conviction. Ordinary rubbish or litter swept into gutters, sewer inlets, or streets outside this narrow leaf exception remains a separate violation under the same section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rake leaves into the street any time of year?
Do I need to call the city before leaving leaves at the curb?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wilmington
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