Gaithersburg's Spring Leaf Collection Starts March 22

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Loose leaf collection for single-family and townhouse owners in Gaithersburg begins Monday, March 22, and will continue through Friday, April 9, according to city officials.

Leaves will be collected weekly; however, there may be a one to two-day delay during busy periods.

Before You Start

Officials ask that residents do not clean up their gardens until after temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees.

"Many butterflies, bees, and other pollinators are currently overwintering in the dead leaves and hollowed out stems of last year's plants," officials said in a statement. "If you clean your garden now, you will literally be throwing away this year's butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators.

How To Rake Leaves For Easy Pick-Up

Residents should place leaves at the street curb by 7 a.m. on their recycling day. Leaves placed in alleys and mews will not be collected, officials said. Sticks and other objects should be removed from leaf piles.

Never dump leaves, grass clipping, or other yard waste into gutters or streets. It could lead to blockages that contribute to localized flooding. Instead, rake them into grassy areas behind the curb line.

In the event of inclement weather, residents should not rake leaves.

The burning of leaves is not permitted in the City of Gaithersburg. Check out this video about outdoor fire safety.

After Collection

After the collection period ends, leaves can be placed in biodegradable brown paper bags and left curbside with other recyclables on your weekly collection day.

The city recently launched "Recycle Coach," a free online app that shows residents how to dispose of items and reduce household waste. It includes loose leaf collection reminders and updates on service disruptions. The app is available for download at iTunes Store and Google Play.