Grand Junction Residents: Here's When to Put Leaves Out

How is it already October? The year is flying by, but before you head out to the yard to start fall cleanup, let's check the calendar before raking all those leaves to the curb.

Grand Junction’s fall leaf removal program begins the week of October 26. This year, the city will work within five collection areas with different rake-out dates. Knowing when to put your leaves on the curb can help you avoid missing important pickup dates.

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Grand Junction's Free Leaf Pickup Starts October 26

Grand Junction will begin the annual leaf removal program at the end of the month and will continue through the five leaf pickup zones until mid-December. This year’s leaf pickup begins 1 week later than last year, with fewer leaves falling so far this month. Leaves should be 18 inches from the curb and in place by 7 a.m. on removal day.

How to Find Your Neighborhood's Leaf Pickup Dates

According to the city’s leaf removal program, the schedule for 2026 looks like this:

Zone 1 Collection Dates: 10/26, 11/9, 12/3.
Zone 2 Collection Dates: 10/28, 11/13, 12/7.
Zone 3 Collection Dates: 10/30, 11/18, 12/9.
Zone 4 Collection Dates: 11/13, 11/23, 12/11.
Zone 5 Collection Dates: 11/5, 11/30, 12/15.

If you don't know which zone you live in, visit the city website (here) and type in your address. They'll help you figure out which schedule to follow.

How to Prepare Leaves for City Pickup

Crews collecting leaves and pine needles will aim to collect them on your zone’s scheduled days. They will make three trips to each zone over the next several weeks. Upcoming holidays will mean no collection on Veterans Day (11/11), Thanksgiving (11/26), or Black Friday (11/27). For questions about the leaf collection program, dial 970-256-4111.

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