Starting October 20 and again October 27, Bismarck will roll out a free curbside leaf collection service for residents. Leave your leaves (in approved containers) at the curb by 6:00 am on your regular garbage day and a separate truck will haul them for composting.
This fall’s leaf pickup runs October 20–23 and October 27–30. Leaves must be placed in compostable paper bags or standard garbage containers (≤ 32 gal). Containers or bags left out after pickup or in improper containers (especially plastic bags) will not be collected.
This service is new: for the first time, the city is using an extra truck on regular collection days to manage leaves separately from trash. Branches are not accepted in this leaf program and should not be mixed with leaf piles.
City Public Works hopes this effort will keep leaves out of the landfill and help turn them into compost. “This was more of a service to provide for the residents… it’s a win-win,” said Steve Salwei, Public Works Director.
Steve Salwei, Public Works Director: “We want to make it easier for residents to dispose of leaves responsibly and reduce landfill loads.”
Local homeowner (via KFYR interview): “I was just going to bag up my leaves myself, but this saves me time — as long as I follow the rules.”
What Residents Should Do
Use compostable paper bags or a ≤ 32-gal bin — no plastic bags allowed.
Place leaves at your normal pick-up point by 6:00 am on your scheduled garbage day.
Don’t mix in other yard waste, branches, or trash.
Be sure it’s within the two service windows: Oct. 20–23 or Oct. 27–30.
Review Bismarck’s Yard Waste Collection Sites for other drop-off options outside these dates.
Diverting leaves from the landfill can reduce city disposal costs and extend landfill life.
The city already supports composting programs and yard waste drop-off sites, but this curbside pickup is more convenient for many.
It’s a step toward greener waste management for Bismarck, aligning with broader state composting goals.
Bismarck’s free leaf pickup is more than just fall cleanup—it’s a push toward sustainable, community-friendly waste management. If you live in Bismarck, now’s the time to prep: bag right, set out early, and help turn your leaves into city compost rather than landfill trash.
