Press release
The City of Batavia Department of Public Works is pleased to announce the start of the annual Fall Leaf Collection Program in the coming weeks. As the season changes and leaves begin to fall, residents are reminded of the proper placement requirements to help ensure safe, efficient, and effective collection.
Leaves should be placed in the parkway area — the space between the sidewalk and the curb line. Please do not place leaves in the roadway.
Placing leaves in the street creates several issues:
- Safety Hazards: Piles of leaves in the road create unsafe driving conditions for motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists.
- Storm Drain Clogs: Leaves can wash into storm drains, leading to blockages, backups, and localized flooding.
- Worker Safety: When leaves are placed in the roadway, City crews must operate collection equipment farther into traffic lanes, creating unnecessary risks for both workers and drivers.
The City’s specialized vacuum equipment is designed to collect leaves directly from the parkway area, ensuring a faster, safer, and more efficient pickup for all residents.
Reminders for Residents:
- Only leaves should be placed in the parkway — please do not mix in branches, sticks, or other debris, which can damage equipment.
- Keep leaf piles away from fire hydrants, utility poles, and mailboxes whenever possible.
- Please be patient as crews make their rounds across the City. Collection continues until the majority of leaves have been removed or the snow begins to fly.
By placing leaves properly in the parkway and keeping them out of the roadway, residents help us maintain safety for the community, protect infrastructure, and allow our crews to provide the best service possible.
Tom Phelps
Director of Public Works