Leaf & Brush Curbside Pickup: Round 2

By John Sharp

KCMO residents who are homeowners or home renters may set out paper sacks of leaves or tied bundles of brush for free curbside pickup for the second time this fall.

Separate collection crews will pick up leaves and brush on residents’ regular trash and recycling collection days between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. For the south zone from 63rd St. south to the city limits and east of Raytown, leaf and brush pickup will be Monday through Friday, November 17-21.

Up to a total of 20 paper sacks of leaves and tied bundles of brush may be set out for curbside pickup no later than 7 a.m. on persons’ regular trash days. Missed pickups must be reported within one business day by calling 311.

If paper sacks are sealed, only masking tape may be used, not duct tape. Bundles of brush may be no larger than two feet by four feet and must be tied up only with rope or twine, not duct tape. Neither sacks nor bundles may weigh more than 40 pounds or include trash.

The next curbside pickup is planned for spring.

Drop-off locations

KCMO residents who miss their curbside pickup or who have more leaves and brush than will fit in 20 sacks or bundles may drop off their leaves and brush for free from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays at one of three city drop-off locations through Saturday, December 13, when the sites close for the winter until their reopening on March 14, 2026. The south drop-off site is at 10301 Raytown Rd.

The sites will accept brush, grass clippings, leaves, tree trimmings and yard waste, and brush and tree trimmings do not have to be bundled. Grass clippings, leaves and yard waste may be in paper sacks, which if sealed must only be sealed by masking tape, not duct tape. It these items are in plastic bags, residents need to empty the bags and take them with them.

Special drop-offs for Christmas trees will be from 8 to 5 on Saturdays, January 3 and 10.

Residents should bring a valid ID showing a KCMO address, and if their ID shows an address outside KCMO, they should also bring a current utility bill or tax receipt with a KCMO address.

The drop-off sites also provide free ground mulch to KCMO residents who also may purchase natural dark wood, brown and red mulch and natural compost.