The City of Manitowoc has announced the schedule for its 2025 leaf pickup program, which will begin on October 6 and run through November 21, weather permitting. During this period, city street sweepers will operate between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to collect leaves that have fallen into the streets. Additional crews are set to join the effort in each district starting October 20, with most leaf collection expected to occur from then until late November.
City officials aim to complete leaf pickup in each section weekly but caution that factors such as weather conditions, volume of leaves, and equipment availability may cause delays. “Please be patient, leaves will be picked up the following week,” city representatives stated.
Safety is emphasized throughout the process. Residents are reminded not to park vehicles over leaf piles and to give crews space while they work. “Large equipment backs up frequently, and we want everyone to be safe,” according to city guidance.
A residential parking ban will be enforced from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on designated pickup days—the same day as street sweeping—to expedite collection efforts. Vehicles parked on the street during these hours risk being ticketed. Informational flyers about the ban will be distributed from September 29 through October 3.
Residents are advised that brush or garden waste will not be collected during this period; instead, they should take such materials to Manitowoc County compost sites or arrange for private disposal services by calling (920) 683-4333.
For streets with a parking lane, residents should place leaves in that lane in front of their residence the evening before their scheduled sweeping day. Leaves placed on terraces (the grassy area between sidewalk and curb) will not be collected if there is a parking lane available; door hangers will notify residents if relocation is needed.
On streets without a parking lane, leaves should continue to be placed on open areas of the terrace away from obstacles like trees or mailboxes for efficient collection and minimal equipment damage.
Residents can stay informed about updates by following the City of Manitowoc’s Facebook page or signing up for notifications at www.manitowoc.org/notifyme via text message or email alerts. The City also encourages downloading its app from major app stores for emergency notifications through its Alert Center feature.
Questions regarding specific procedures—including where to place leaves based on street type—are addressed in an FAQ provided by the Department of Infrastructure – Streets and Sanitation Division at (920) 686-6550 or online at www.manitowoc.org/leaves.
“Leaves WILL NOT be picked up off the terrace if there is a parking lane on your street,” city officials noted in response to common resident inquiries. “You will receive a door hanger requesting that leaves be moved to the parking lane.”
The residential parking ban does not apply directly around businesses or schools but remains effective elsewhere during scheduled pickup times.
