Merced leaf pickup program under way. Here’s what to know
The leaves are piling up in Merced and the rain expected this week could make things even worse.
It’s a good thing Merced’s leaf collection program started on Wednesday.
The program operates within Merced city limits six days a week through Jan. 17, 2026, with breaks on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
To prepare for pick-up, residents should pile leaves into rows at least four feet from the curb to allow rain to enter through storm drains, the city website says.
No branches, brush clippings, pine needles, pine cones, or lawn clippings will be collected — those should go in green bins. If you do not want to wait for city pick-up, residents are free to put their leaf piles into their green bins.
Leaf collection flyers were mailed to residents in their October utility bill. The schedule can also be viewed here.
Collected leaves are used for mulch and compost on local farms, the city website says.
Here are other rules and tips from Merced website
- Do not park at the curb on collection days.
- Sweep leaves into rows at least four feet from the curb.
- Please put as many leaves as possible in your green can.
- Leaves must be ready for pickup prior to your scheduled service dates.
- Area service dates are next to the corresponding color/area on the map.
- Due to unforeseeable variables, routes may be delayed or ahead of schedule.
For questions regarding this program, residents can call Merced’s Public Works at (209) 385-6800.
