Milwaukee leaf collection change aimed at reducing floods, DPW says

MILWAUKEE - Leaders with Milwaukee's Department of Public Works on Wednesday announced two major changes after heavy rain earlier this month flooded streets and basements around the city.

Bagging leaves

What they're saying:

DPW Commissioner Jerrel Kruschke said the department will move to a bag system for leaf collection this fall. Instead of raking leaves into piles at the street, residents will have to put leaves in paper bags and leave them out for collection. 

The hope is it will help keep leaves from clogging storm drains.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

"We’re going to go to a bagging operation, which allows those leaves to sit in that same spot, and if we have a snowstorm that goes through, we know where they’re at, and we can pick them up at a later date," he said.

Kruschke also said he will work with the Common Council to find ways to subsidize the costs of those bags for residents who are "really strapped." Lead collection season starts in October.

Officials also say they will spend the coming months educating residents ahead of the changes taking effect this fall.

Parking change

What they're saying:

Additionally, Kruschke said they want to start scheduled alternate-side parking to streamline street sweeping operations. Residents said parked cars cause debris to build up at the curb, which can lead to drain backups and worsen flooding.

"All we want to do is get as much debris and leaves as we can out of the public right-of-way to make sure our drains are clear in the springtime and all year round," he said.

The city would need signs to note the parking restrictions. Because there are so many streets, it could take years to take effect, but that work will start later this summer.

"We’re going to end up putting signage in these exception street areas, where we’re allowed to park on both sides, and what’s going to happen is they won’t be allowed to park on one side of the street," Kruschke said. "We’re going to go through a street sweeping operation to get rid of that debris and excess that we can’t get to now and then alternate on that other side the next day."

The alternate-side parking to accommodate street sweeps would happen monthly from May 1 through Nov. 1 each year. Street sweeping already takes place during those months.

A DPW spokesperson said the department can make the change administratively without a council vote. Ald. Larresa Taylor, who is on the public works committee, confirmed the same.

Mix of emotions

Local perspective:

The changes are drawing mixed reactions from neighbors, especially in Milwaukee’s Sherman Park neighborhood, where piles of leaves still line the curbs.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

Residents say the issue has lingered for months, with leaves breaking down over the winter and spring rain making conditions worse.

"They say sweep them into a pile and they'll pick them up, but they don't pick them up," said Barbara Wells, a Sherman Park resident. "Where is the vacuum cleaner that gets these leaves out? They have really been awful. The drains are clogged."

Others say the change could help address long-standing problems.

"Hopefully the people will bag and not leave it in the street and keep the street clean," said Lillian Karkoski, a resident near 52nd and Burleigh.

Karkoski, a block captain, said she’s seen the issue firsthand.

"It's been bad," she said. "I come out and sweep. I try to be a good example. It's been a problem. It doesn't get raked into the street."

She said she believes the new system could improve conditions.

"I think it's a good idea. A clean neighborhood is important," Karkoski said.

Even some skeptical neighbors say they’re hoping it works.

"I just hope this works out," Wells said.

Call for assistance

What you can do:

Residents should continue to report issues at milwaukee.gov/click4action, the Milwaukee Mobile Action App, or by calling 414-286-CITY (2489). Pictures are helpful for crews to appropriately prioritize the requests. They can be attached to the submission.

Reaction

Milwaukee Alderman Lamont Westmoreland

"The Department of Public Works announced yesterday during a Public Works Committee meeting that it plans to eliminate the long-standing practice of allowing residents to rake leaves into the curb gutter for collection, beginning as early as this fall.

"Instead, residents would be required to bag their leaves for pickup.

"To set the record straight: this was not a decision made by the Public Works Committee. It was not voted on, and there was no prior discussion or deliberation at the committee level. As Vice Chair, I learned about this proposed change at the same time the public did. I had no prior knowledge that this was even under consideration.

"That is unacceptable.

"Understandably, this has created frustration, and I share it. Residents are already dealing with concerns stemming from recent leaf collection challenges, rising property taxes, and broader service expectations. Introducing a significant operational change like this without notice, without input, and without any public discussion only adds fuel to that frustration.

"This is being framed as a solution to the challenges we’ve seen with leaf collection. I don’t see it that way. This is not a solution; it’s another burden being placed squarely on the shoulders of Milwaukee residents.

"I have serious concerns about the impact this would have on residents. Requiring bagged leaves places an added financial and physical burden on many households, especially those with multiple mature trees, fixed incomes, or physical limitations. For some, this would mean purchasing and handling dozens of bags each season. That is not a small ask.

"While I recognize the importance of keeping leaves out of curb gutters to improve drainage and reduce flooding risks, eliminating curbside raking entirely is not the answer. This feels more like a reaction than a well-thought-out solution. What is needed is an improvement in planning.

"A more balanced approach is both reasonable and achievable: maintain the traditional rake-to-curb option while also expanding and promoting bagged collection for those who prefer it or can use it. Residents should be given flexibility, not be forced into a one-size-fits-all mandate.

"This conversation is far from over. What was announced yesterday is not a done deal. Residents deserve transparency, input, and a plan that is thoughtful, equitable, and actually works for the people it affects."

Milwaukee Alderman Scott Spiker

"Yesterday, the leadership of the Department of Public Works overreacted.

"In testimony before the Public Works Committee, they announced a new policy that would require residents to bag their leaves instead of raking them into the street. Setting aside the burden that this would place on our constituents and on our already overworked DPW staff, with zero advance notice to the Common Council and the communities we serve, the leadership simply announced this seismic shift in how we do business.

"I oppose this change and will work with my colleagues to undo it. It would disproportionately affect seniors for whom raking leaves from city trees already presents a challenge. It would tax residents by requiring them to purchase brown paper bags to adhere to the new city policy. It would sow discord amongst neighbors who will now have to bag up the leaves that blow over from surrounding properties repeatedly. It will prevent the efficient collection of leaves by staff, as they will have to manually pick up all of these bags sitting out near the curb, blocking the terrace area and inhibiting parking.

"And why will residents have to do all of this? So that DPW leadership can make up for the mistakes of the past. A late fall leaf drop combined with an early snowstorm and cold weather led to a pileup of leaves that were not collected in the spring before heavy April rainfall. Flooding occurred, though it was initially claimed not to be due to catch basins clogged by leaves as opposed to trash and other debris.

"But instead of saying that this was a once-in-a-blue-moon unlucky break or looking at what led to the failures in leaf pickup, the department leadership overreacted by instituting a huge policy shift that will affect residents each and every year. This is intemperate and ill-considered.  I mean to reverse it.

"Our residents cannot be taxed and burdened by missteps that the city made. They deserve better."

Severe WeatherMilwaukeeNews