The extension comes as warmer-than-usual fall temperatures have caused some trees to drop their leaves later than normal, city officials said.

Residents can still rake loose leaves into the curb lane, but they must leave a one-foot gap between the pile and the curb. Leaves should be kept away from storm drains and sewer grates to prevent flooding and water pollution.

Paper yard waste bags are also accepted. Bags should be placed at the curb line or lawn edge—not in the street or alley—and plastic bags are not allowed. Residents who bag their leaves must request pickup through Click4Action, the MKE Mobile Action app, or by calling 414-286-CITY (2489).

Crews will begin their final round of pickups after Nov. 29. Because covering the entire city takes two to three weeks, some neighborhoods may not see crews until mid-December. Snow could further delay collections.

Residents can check the city's leaf collection map at milwaukee.gov/leaves to see where crews are working and which neighborhoods have been completed. If the map shows an area is finished but leaves remain, residents should contact the city to request another check.

After the final pickup, residents are encouraged to mulch or compost remaining leaves or take them to a city drop-off center. Leaves and other yard waste cannot go in garbage or recycling carts.

The extension reflects a growing challenge for Midwest cities as climate change shifts seasonal patterns. Warmer autumns can delay leaf drop, compressing the window for collection and complicating public works schedules. For Milwaukee, the later deadline is a practical adjustment—but also a reminder that even routine municipal services are feeling the effects of a warming climate.