Did you know that St. Louis collects leaves during regular street sweeping between November 2 and December 31? On your scheduled sweeping day, just rake your leaves into a pile along the street, leaving an 18-inch gap from the curb so the street sweeper can catch everything. Remember that branches, bags and other debris do not go in the street.
Please, move parked cars during posted sweeping hours! During the rest of the year, leaves belong in the alley yard-waste dumpsters. You can also request pickup of leaves in paper yard-waste bags by calling (314) 622-4800.
Or you can compost your own leaves. St. Louis offers free monthly compost drop-off at 560 Terminal Row throughout the year (typically on the first Saturday of each month).
The city also gives away wood chips and compost to city residents. The closest site to SD is the Bell Garden Mulch Heaps at 3850 Bell Avenue (across from Griscom High School).
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2026.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
