Edited release
10/14/25
The Leaf Vacuum Program will begin Monday, Oct. 20, in Zones #6 and #7, and will proceed in numerical order, moving to Zone #1 after Zone #7 is completed. The process will repeat until the program ends on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025.
The City instructs residents to:
- Rake leaves into a pile on the City right-of-way in front of your house between the sidewalk and the street curb.
- Your leaf pile should be placed no further than five feet back from the curb, as the vacuum hose will not reach beyond that length.
- No sticks, brush, garden refuse, or other waste – only leaves.
- The minimum size for one pile should be the equivalent of one yard waste bag.
- Do not rake leaves into the street, as they may be washed into the storm sewer, and can cause flooding.
- Do not pile leaves around mailboxes and signposts; instead, place the pile in an open area.
- Paper yard waste bags (with $2 sticker) or City issued organics (yard and food waste) carts can be used in addition to the Leaf Vacuum Program and will be collected on your regular curbside service day through January. See icgov.org/landfill for details.
- Residents can haul their leaves to the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center at 3900 Hebl Ave, 7 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday and 7 am to noon on Saturday. Yard waste fees apply; the cost is $24/ton with a $5 minimum charge that covers up to 400 pounds.
To find your zone, visit icgov.org/leafvacuum and enter your address. Questions may directed to the Streets Division office at 319-356-5181.