KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The City of Keene is set to begin its annual fall leaf collection Monday, Nov.4, covering the first section of roads on the schedule.

While there won’t be a precise daily pickup schedule, residents are encouraged to have their leaves ready on the specified date listed for their section. However, this date only indicates the starting point of collection in each area, not a guarantee of when city crews will reach individual streets.

For residents who may miss the initial pickup, it’s important to know that crews might not return for a second collection once they’ve been through. Homeowners are allowed to keep adding leaves to the curbside lawn edge until the leaves on their street are picked up.

The City has also shared a few critical reminders for a safe and efficient process:

  • Clear Nearby Storm Drains: Residents whose properties are near storm drains, marked with a yellow fish on the pavement, should ensure these are clear of debris. This helps maintain proper drainage and prevents flooding or hazardous conditions. However, leaves should never be raked over storm basins.
  • Keep Leaves Off the Street: Raking leaves into the street is prohibited under city ordinance, as it poses risks for collection crews and can lead to fines for homeowners.
  • Collection Guidelines: Leaves should be loose, not bagged, and placed on the grass belt between the street and sidewalk or along the property’s edge if there is no sidewalk. Pine needles are accepted, but branches and brush are not. Mixed debris can cause equipment issues and delay collection times.
  • Free Drop-Off Option: Residents also have the option to take leaves to the Keene Recycling Center/Transfer Station at 55 Old Summit Road, where drop-off is free during operational hours (7:00 AM – 3:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Saturdays).

Leaf collection service will not cover private streets or streets without city drainage systems, which are marked “n/a” on the schedule. The City hopes these guidelines will make the process efficient for everyone and help protect neighborhood drainage and road safety.