KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene’s annual fall leaf collection program is scheduled to begin Nov. 9, with city crews starting the first group of streets on the 2026 collection schedule.

Residents should rake leaves to the edge of their property by 6 a.m. on the date assigned to their street. That date marks the beginning of collection for the designated section, but it does not mean crews will arrive on that particular day.

Collection crews will work from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily as they move through the scheduled areas. Residents may continue adding leaves to the collection area until crews have serviced their street, but a second pickup is not guaranteed.

How to Prepare for Collection

The city asks residents to follow several guidelines to help crews work safely and prevent drainage problems:

Keep leaves out of the street. Raking leaves into the roadway violates city ordinance, creates hazards for workers and could result in a citation.

Place leaves in the proper location. Leaves should be left loose and unbagged along the grass strip between the sidewalk and street. Where there is no sidewalk, place them at the edge of the property.

Remove branches and brush. The program accepts only leaves and pine needles. Other yard debris can damage collection equipment and slow the process.

Protect storm drains. Residents should clear debris from nearby storm drains, particularly those identified by a yellow fish stencil painted on the pavement. Do not pile leaves over drains, as blockages can contribute to flooding and unsafe conditions.

Stop adding leaves after collection. Once crews have completed their pickup and cleared storm drains in the area, residents should not rake more leaves to the curb.

Free Leaf Drop-Off Available

Residents who miss their scheduled collection or prefer to transport their leaves themselves can drop them off at no charge at the Keene Recycling Center/Transfer Station, located at 55 Old Summit Road, off Route 12 North.

The facility is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Streets listed as “N/A” on the collection schedule are excluded from the program. These typically include private roads and streets without city drainage systems.

Residents should consult the city’s 2026 leaf collection schedule to determine when their street is scheduled for service.