The City of Reading will begin its 2026 curbside loose-leaf collection program on Monday, October 12, with Public Works crews making periodic trips through neighborhoods across the city.
The seasonal program will serve several areas, including the 18th Ward and South of Penn, Northeast Reading and Hampden Heights, Hessian Camp and East Reading, Northwest Reading, and the Northmont, Riverdale and Glenside neighborhoods.
Residents are asked not to place loose leaves at the curb before collection begins. The city also reminds residents to keep grass clippings, branches, brush and other debris out of leaf piles, as these materials can damage collection equipment.
Unlike regular trash or yard waste pickup, loose-leaf collection does not follow a set daily schedule. Crews may experience delays due to weather conditions, equipment or personnel availability, and emergencies.
If leaves are not at the curb when collection equipment passes through a block, crews will not immediately return. However, periodic return trips will be made throughout neighborhoods during the collection season.
“Fall is a busy time for our Public Works crews, and we appreciate residents helping us keep leaf collection running smoothly,” said Mayor Eddie Morán. “By keeping leaves free of branches, brush and other debris and following the collection guidelines, residents can help our crews do their job safely and efficiently.”
In addition to loose-leaf collection, the city will continue picking up bagged leaves on residents’ regular yard waste collection days.
The bagged-leaf collection schedule is as follows:
* Mondays: Northeast areas
* Tuesdays: Center City, East Reading, 18th Ward and South of Penn areas
* Wednesdays: Northwest, Northmont, Riverdale and Glenside areas
All bagged leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags. Plastic bags will not be accepted.
The last scheduled day for leaf collection is Friday, December 4, although the city may extend the program if leaves fall later than expected. Once collection concludes, Public Works equipment will be converted for winter weather operations.
Residents seeking daily collection progress reports or additional information about bagged-leaf pickup can contact the City of Reading Streets Division at 610-655-6285.