TRAVERSE CITY — The City of Traverse City has introduced a new interactive map to improve efficiency in its annual fall leaf pickup program, dividing the city into six zones for collection.
The pickup program began Oct. 20 on the west side in Zone 1 and will move eastward through all zones. City officials said the new zoned approach is designed to ensure timely and effective service across neighborhoods.
Residents can use the online map to identify their zone and prepare for pickup, though exact dates will not be announced due to weather conditions and the unpredictability of leaf fall. Progress updates will be shared on social media and through the City’s Leaf Pickup webpage.
Crews may occasionally clean streets outside of the designated zone to complete daily work, but they will return to those areas at their scheduled time. The City reminded residents to have their leaves ready before collection begins in their zone and to follow all program guidelines.
Residents are asked to keep leaves off the street until Oct. 16 and to rake piles onto the tree lawn rather than bagging them in plastic. Only loose or biodegradable-bagged leaves will be collected, and no brush or sticks will be accepted.
Leaves should not cover catch basins, and vehicles should not be parked over leaf piles, as those leaves will become the homeowner’s responsibility.
Collection crews will pick up leaves from the paved edge or gravel shoulder of the road and in certain alleys, including those along Division Street, East Front Street from Railroad Avenue to Munson Avenue, Munson Avenue from East Front Street to Airport Access Road, and Eighth Street from Union Street to Woodmere Avenue.
What if I’m on a street under construction?
Residents living on streets under construction are asked to place their leaves in accessible alleys for pickup. Streets affected include Ninth Street from Lake Street to Union Street, Twelfth Street from Union Street to Cass Street, and Griffin Street from Pine Street to Locust Street.
For more information on the pickup program and to check out the map to find your area, click here.