Turn over a new leaf this autumn

Red, yellow, orange and brown leaves are transforming Ballarat’s streets into a blaze of magnificent autumn colour. 

The golden hues also signal the start of one of the busiest periods for the City of Ballarat’s Street Cleaning team, tasked with removing truckloads of leaves from gutters and footpaths throughout the coming weeks and months. 

The team uses a leaf vacuum truck, and water to suppress dust, to collect leaves on a street-by-street basis as well as responding to individual enquiries. 

City of Ballarat Councillor Mark Harris said more than half of Ballarat’s street trees are deciduous, which means they drop their leaves every year. 

Cr Harris said leaves can be composted or can be placed in your green waste bin. 

“Autumn is a fantastic time to consider the benefits of composting,” he said.  

“Through composting, you can turn your leaves into mulch to use on your garden – diverting waste from landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

“This aligns with the City of Ballarat’s circular economy framework, reducing the production and landfilling of organic waste and improving sustainability.” 

Ballarat residents needing help with their nature strip leaf collection can contact the City of Ballarat for assistance. 

The Street Cleaning team will collect nature strip leaves, which will be turned into compost. Please be aware that the team is in high demand during leaf collection season, and it may take up to three weeks for leaves to be collected. 

Requests for leaf collection should be made through the City of Ballarat’s Customer Service on 5320 5500 or use the Snap Send Solve app to quickly request leaf collection to us 24/7. 

Please advise if your leaves are bagged, piled or remain loose. Our crews will be able to respond faster to bagged and piled leaves.