On the east side, a subdivision named for its trees gets most of its raking done in October. The City of Terre Haute's leaf vacuum usually starts much later. In each of the last two falls, the trucks didn't begin until November 12. Until then, the leaves need another place to go, and most of those places have closing dates.
The Vacuum Truck Has Started in Mid-November Two Years Running
In 2024, WTWO reported that Terre Haute's citywide leaf pickup would begin November 12 and that each zone would get two passes from the leaf vacuum. In 2025 the start date was the same. The Tribune-Star reported that collection would start Wednesday, Nov. 12 in the Orange Zone, beginning on Davis Avenue and working north. WTWO's 2025 coverage said the route would start with everyone south of Margaret Avenue, then cover Margaret to College, then 1st Street to U.S. 41. The city planned to post updated schedules each week.
Nothing has been posted for 2026 yet. As of October 13, the city's Leaf Pickup page still says only that "the 2025 leaf collection season has come to an end." An older city FAQ, last updated in 2011, describes a program that usually starts near November 1, can take around three months, and switches each year between starting at the north end and the south end. The last two years point to mid-November. If the city uses the same pattern this year, an east-side street could wait even longer, depending on which end the route starts from.
That timing matters most if your street is on the city route, and it doesn't make the October leaves wait any less. The city's instructions are to rake leaves into a neat pile in the tree row or city right-of-way and keep them out of the street. Crews blow the piles into the street right before pickup so leaves don't clog storm sewers. A pile raked in mid-October could sit in the tree row for about a month before a truck comes.
The County Drop-Off Moves to Appointments First
The Vigo County Solid Waste Management District got a state composting permit in 2024. It now takes yard waste at its south facility, 10970 S Sullivan Place. It accepts leaves, grass clippings, bushes, twigs, branches and limbs up to 6 inches across, pine cones, bark and pine needles. You need proof of residency, you unload the load yourself, and you take your bags or containers home. The district's north full-service location at 3230 E Haythorne Ave is a separate site. For yard waste, the address that matters is the south facility.
The schedule has a cutoff. From March 1 to November 1, the district is open Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., plus the first Saturday of each month. From November 3 to March 1, drop-off is by appointment only. The page lists no fee, but it doesn't say the service is free either.
On this year's calendar, the first Saturday in October has already passed, and November 1 falls on a Sunday. That leaves five regular weekday sessions:
- Thursday, October 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Monday, October 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Thursday, October 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Monday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Thursday, October 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
After that, the drop-off goes to appointments on November 3. Last year's vacuum route started nine days later. Each of those five sessions is midweek and midday, so they fit best for people with weekday daytime hours free.
October 24 Is the One Free Saturday
The best fit for a weekend is the city's Fall Citywide Cleanup on Saturday, October 24. According to the city's event notice, it runs from 8 a.m. to noon, or until the dumpsters fill, in the parking lot behind the Old Police Department headquarters at 1211 Wabash. You enter from 13th Street. It's free for Vigo County residents, and you may be asked for ID.
Bagged leaves and grass are on the accepted list. So are branches up to 4 inches across, limited to one truckload, along with grills, furniture, mattresses, appliances, electronics and up to four tires. Hazardous waste, construction debris, paint, chemicals, batteries, refrigerators and loose trash are not accepted. The branch limit is smaller than the county's. A limb that's too big for the October 24 dumpsters may still fit under the 6-inch limit at Sullivan Place.
The hours aren't fully settled. A WVIG report from October 9 gave the hours as 8 to 10 a.m. or until the dumpsters are full. The city's own listing says noon, but either way, a full dumpster closes it early. Arriving early is the safer bet.
| Outlet | Leaves accepted as | Branch limit | Remaining window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Citywide Cleanup, 1211 Wabash | Bagged | 4 inches, one truckload | Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. until noon or until dumpsters fill |
| County yard waste, 10970 S Sullivan Place | Loose or bagged, bags go home with you | 6 inches | Mon/Thu sessions through Oct. 29; appointment-only from Nov. 3 |
| Republic bagged pickup | Bagged, set by the trash can | Not listed | Up to 10 bags per week on your regular trash day |
| City leaf vacuum | Loose piles in the tree row | Not applicable | 2026 start not yet posted; started Nov. 12 in 2024 and 2025 |
The Bags That Go Out With the Trash
The one option that runs every week is Republic. According to the city's Leaf Pickup page, Republic picks up bagged leaves placed next to your trash can on your normal trash day, up to 10 bags a week. The mayor's office newsletter for fall 2025 described the limit as 10 sealed bags collected with garbage. Neither source says whether the bags should be paper or plastic.
Ten bags a week adds up. From now until mid-November, most households will have about four regular trash days, which works out to roughly 40 bags with no trip anywhere. On a lot under a full canopy, that may not cover the whole season, but it can keep October's leaves under control until the vacuum route reaches you.
The Option With No Deadline
Leaves you never move don't depend on any schedule. Purdue Extension's 2024 Wild Bulletin with the Indiana DNR recommends leaving leaves in place, or moving them into beds and around trees. It says they give wildlife shelter over the winter, suppress weeds, hold moisture and return nutrients to the soil. Purdue's consumer horticulture guidance recommends shredding dry leaves on the lawn, where they break down quickly. It warns against leaving a thick layer on top of beds all winter, because the soil underneath can stay cold and wet.
The city's Nature Center at Dobbs Park is running a program called "Leave the Leaves" this month. Sessions are Saturday, October 17 at 10:30 a.m. and Tuesday, October 20 at 3:30 p.m., with a $1.50 craft fee. The October 20 session is also on the city calendar. The city's listing doesn't describe the activities, but the timing lines up with peak raking season.
Burning is not one of the options in town. A City of Terre Haute FAQ says open burning isn't permitted inside city limits except in a certified burn pit, and it specifically excludes leaves. Small sticks or wood that fit fully inside the pit are allowed. That FAQ was last updated in 2015. This post is general information, not legal advice. If your property's rules matter for a decision, confirm them with the city or another qualified professional.
Before the vacuum trucks start, the leaves in The Woods can go to five county weekday sessions, one free Saturday at 1211 Wabash, ten bags a week at the curb, or back into the lawn and beds. When the city posts its 2026 schedule, the Street Department is at 812-244-2901. The city asks residents to call 311 only if their street is missed on the second pass.
A tidy, raked yard is one of the first things buyers see in a fall listing photo, and with drone and video, a full canopy can look its best. If you're thinking about listing a home in The Woods this season or next spring, Andrew Southard can show you where your home stands right now. Get Your Free Instant Home Valuation.
