Winter weather cut the fall leaf collection season short. Heavy snow and prolonged cold temperatures prevented crews from safely identifying leaf piles, limiting the opportunity for collection before winter set in. To make sure residents still have an opportunity to dispose of leaves, the City of Portage Department of Public Works will collect leaves this spring as part of the regular brush collection program.
Leaf pickup will run alongside brush collection beginning the week of March 30, 2026. All areas of the city will receive leaf collection, which will take place according to the brush collection zone (four zones total) rather than the typical eight leaf collection zones. Once leaf and brush pickup is complete, the Spring Cleanup Program - household bulk rubbish - will begin Monday, April 27, 2026.
What to Know Before Your Pickup
- Both loose and bagged leaves will be collected.
- Place leaves and brush at the curb by 7 AM on the Monday of your brush collection zone.
- Leaves and brush must be placed in separate piles at the curb, as they are collected by different crews and equipment.
- Bagged leaves must be in paper, biodegradable bags. Plastic bags will not be collected.
- Branches should be 4 to 6 feet long and less than 3 inches in diameter.
- Each street will be collected one time only, and crews will not return to pick up items placed out after the scheduled collection.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as winter weather forced changes to the original schedule. While Mother Nature had other plans, crews will work hard this spring to ensure leaf collection is completed citywide.