The Claw is back in Sacramento. When to expect leaf collection on your street
It’s “leaf season” in Sacramento.
That means the Claw is back patrolling residential streets in the City of Trees.
The city’s Recycling and Solid Waste Division uses a special tractor fitted with an articulating bucket to scoop up leaves, small branches and other yard waste.
Trailed by a rear-loader truck, the Claw moves “systematically through the city to collect leaf piles and take them to the recycling and composting facility,” the city of Sacramento said in an Oct. 31 news release.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Claw, from its schedule to how to prepare leaf piles:
When will the Claw come to my Sacramento neighborhood?
The Claw started picking up leaf piles from residential neighborhoods across Sacramento on Monday, Nov. 3, the city said in the release.
The special yard waste collection service continues through Feb. 1, 2026.
“Our crews will complete at least seven rounds through all the zones we service,” said Jesa David, spokesperson for Sacramento’s Recycling and Solid Waste Division. “Customers can help our operators work more quickly by maximizing use of their containers.”
You can check the city’s Collection Calendar or use the SacRecycle app to discover your next leaf pile collection date.
How often does the Claw patrol?
According to the city, storms can slow down leaf pile collection.
“The speed of pickups also depends on the amount of material on the streets for collection, weather and how many customers use their curbside containers,” the city said in the release.
When Sacramento residents “consistently” use their waste bins in addition to piling up leaves, “streets are cleaner faster and more parking is available,” city officials said.
Can anyone use yard waste collection service?
“Not all properties within the city receive leaf season service,” the city of Sacramento said.
Residents who live on private streets and properties without curbs or gutters don’t qualify for a visit from the Claw.
Apartment buildings and commercial properties that aren’t city customers aren’t allowed to put out leaf piles, either.
How big can my leaf pile be?
There’s a size limit for leaf piles, according to the city of Sacramento.
You should limit each mound of leaves, twigs and other tree leavings to 5 cubic yards or less, the city said.
In other words, it shouldn’t measure any larger than 4 feet by 4 feet by 9 feet, the city said.
Place your pile at least 6 feet away from cars, boats, basketball hoops and other obstructions and make sure there’s space between the curb and pile to allow water to flow to storm drains.
“If the Claw cannot reach your pile due to an obstruction such as a vehicle parked too close, it won’t be picked up,” the city said.
Should I put my leaf pile in a garbage bag?
No, leaf piles don’t belong in plastic bags.
“No organic waste or recycling should ever be put in plastic bags,” the city said on its website.
What can I throw away besides leaves?
You should fill your green organic waste container before making a leaf pile, the city said, and refill it when it’s empty.
In addition to leaves, you can toss tree limbs in your pile — as long as they measure 3 feet or less in length and no more than 4 inches in diameter.
You can also put Christmas trees in your leaf pile, but remove any plastic, glass or metal decor first.
However, the city says you should leave out food waste or pet waste. Vegetable peels, table scraps and other food waste go in the organic waste container instead, and you should throw away dog poop and cat litter in the garbage bin.
How much yard waste does the Claw remove?
During the previous leaf season, the Claw scooped up a total of 10,000 tons of leaves, branches and other debris from Sacramento streets, The Sacramento Bee reported in February.
Claw crews did nine rounds of pickups from the beginning of November 2024 to early February 2025 — each serving more than 90 neighborhood zones, David previously told The Bee.
