The City of Bloomington Provides Fall and Winter Guidelines for Leaf Management, Sidewalks, and Storm Drains

The City of Bloomington has discontinued curbside vacuum leaf collection as of 2023, following two years of study and feedback from thousands of residents. Mulching and composting leaves in your yard, along with using the City’s yard waste collection program, have been identified as more efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives.

Mulching and Composting in Your Yard
The most eco-friendly option is to mulch or compost leaves in your yard, turning them into natural fertilizer. The City offers online resources, including videos and articles, to help residents learn more about mulching and composting.

Yard Waste Collection
Residents who prefer to have leaves collected can use biodegradable paper yard waste bags or yard waste carts. There is no fee for leaf collection in November, but collection fees ($1 per bag/cart) will resume in December. The Public Works Department will be partnering with the Fire Department to provide free brown paper leaf collection bags. Packs of 5 bags will be made available to residents at no cost on a first come, first serve, basis. Residents may claim these bags at any City of Bloomington fire station. Supplies are limited to 2 packs of leaf bags per person and proof of City residency is required. For a map of fire station locations, please see https://bloomington.in.gov/sites/default/files/2023-07/fire-stations_230707.png    

Please ensure that all yard waste carts or bags contain only dried leaves and are not compacted too tightly. Plastic bags will not be accepted.

For more information or to purchase an optional 64-gallon yard waste cart, contact the Sanitation Division at 812-349-3443. Residents can also find their regular bi-weekly yard waste collection days by searching their street address using the myBloomington tool.

For more information on leaf management, visit bloomington.in.gov/departments/public-works/street/leaf-collection. 

Keeping Storm Drains Clear

Residents are encouraged to keep storm drains free of leaves, grass clippings, and trash to help prevent flooding. The City offers an Adopt-a-Drain program for those interested in maintaining specific drains. More information is available by calling 812-349-3617.

Sidewalk Maintenance
Residents and business owners are reminded to keep sidewalks clear of leaves, snow, and ice. Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after snow or ice accumulation. In the downtown snow removal area, a 54-inch-wide path must be cleared, while in other areas, a 36-inch-wide path is required.

For more information on these seasonal guidelines, visit the City’s website at bloomington.in.gov.