Leaf recycling

Each autumn we clear street leaves from 14,000km of the borough's highway. We put on extra staff and vehicles during this period which usually starts in late October depending on seasonal factors such as rainfall, earlyfrost and high winds.

This year we will collect an estimated 400 tonnes of leaves using reusable and bio-degradable bags. 'Dirty' or contaminated leaves are collected in normal street sweeper bags for disposal. Leaves are considered to be dirty if they are mixed with contaminants such as street litter, dog mess, dust and metal from vehicle movements and diesel or engine oil.

We recycle all clean leaves which are sent for composting. This year we expect to recycle 120 tonnes, over a quarter of all the leaves collected and our best performance yet for leaf recycling!

If you want to recycle your leaves, try composting them at home. To know how to get the best out of your leaves as a soil improver or for potting and sowing, visit Recycle Now for top tips on leaf compost.