‘The Claw’ will be back in Sacramento. All you need to know about this season’s leaf collection

Sacramento’s residential leaf collection service, featuring “The Claw,” will be coming back to Sacramento city streets Monday.

The City of Trees has already seen its fair share of brown, yellow, red and orange leaves. Besides being a leaf-blowing, water-draining and parking nuisance, fallen leaves can inhibit grass growth, promote mold and invite unwanted critters, such as mice.

The Claw’s return means residents can start gathering leaves to be carted away by Department of Utility officials throughout the season. Here’s everything you should know:

When will The Claw come to my neighborhood?

There will be at least seven leaf collections on each city street from Nov. 1 to Jan. 23. The Claw will come to your curb, rain or shine, as well as on holidays.

According to the city website, collection days will vary depending on the volume of leaves, weather and equipment availability. You can use the SacRecycle Collection Calendar to sign up for alerts and reminders about collections.

What do I need to do?

Residents are advised to fill their green waste containers per usual and leave them out to get picked up weekly. However, if there are leftover leaves and yard waste, you can make a pile and leave it on the side of the curb, away from cars, basketball hoops, boats and bike lanes, on collection days.

Also, leave a space between the pile and storm drain.

How big can the pile be?

Leaf piles should not be bigger than 5 cubic yards or 4 feet by 4 feet by 9 feet. If there are tree branches in the heap, they need to be less than 3 feet in length and up to 4 inches in diameter.

What can I put in the pile? What is not allowed in it?

You can put leaves, grass, sod, tree and shrub trimmings and Christmas trees in the pile, according to the city.

However, do not put pet waste, trash, excessive dirt, lumber or concrete.

If it’s windy should I put the leaves and yard waste in a bag?

No, do not put leaf piles into plastic bags.

I have too much yard waste. What should I do?

There are yard waste disposal sites across Sacramento. The following are some that the city of Sacramento listed on their website.

▪ L and D Landfill at 8635 Fruitridge Road, in the New Brighton section of eastern Sacramento, 916-383-9420

▪ Sacramento County Kiefer Landfill at 2701 Kiefer Blvd., south of Mather Airport; 916-875-5555

▪ Sierra Waste Recycling and Transfer at 8260 Berry Ave., in the Morrison Creek neighborhood of Sacramento; 916-388-8320

Be sure to call or visit the centers’ respective websites to see what waste they accept and other requirements.

The city also has guides on how to compost and recycle yard clippings in your backyard and how to recycle grass.

This story was originally published October 30, 2021 at 5:00 AM with the headline "‘The Claw’ will be back in Sacramento. All you need to know about this season’s leaf collection."