Brush & Leaf Collection

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the City pick up my tree branches, hedge clippings, garden debris and leaves (Brush)?

YES. Brush is defined as tree branches, hedge clippings, garden debris and leaves, no dirt, root balls, grass or stumps. Curbside collection of Brush is scheduled on your garbage collection day during the first full, non-holiday week of the month from April through December. NOTE: During November 2026, there will be no Brush collection due to the Loose-Leaf Collection. Brush should be placed in paper biodegradable bags or bundled and tied. Bundles can be no longer than 4 feet in length and have no branches greater than 3 inches in diameter. Bags and bundles shall not exceed fifty pounds in weight. Place bags and bundles at least 3 feet away from your garbage and recycling carts on the terrace or driveway apron, no later than 5 am on your scheduled collection day. Please be sure not to obstruct the sidewalk. Brush can also be dropped off at the Sanitation Division’s Yard Waste drop off site on 3rd Avenue, between Ohio Street and Idaho Street. A yearly permit is required. The cost of the permit is $25 per year for City of Oshkosh residents, $125 per year for non-City residents. Permits can be purchased at the Collection counter at City Hall or at Kitz and Pfeil Hardware store, downtown Oshkosh.

What is Spring Cleanup?

Spring Cleanup is an extra week of Brush collection during the month of April. Follow the same guidelines for Brush Week collection, above.

Does the City have a special collection for leaves in the fall?

YES. Fall loose leaf collection runs for 5 consecutive weeks and starts approximately the third week of October through Mid-November. Loose leaves only should be piled on the terrace for collection no later than 5 am on the day after your scheduled garbage collection day. Do not mix brush, grass clippings, other plant materials, dirt, root balls, rocks or stumps with the leaves. Rake the leaves as far out to the street as possible without going into the curb line or the street or obstructing the sidewalk. Scheduled loose leaf collection may end early due to weather and/ or equipment issues. Scheduled loose leaf collection will end the week before Thanksgiving. Check the City Sanitation website for exact dates. During any other times, leaves placed in paper biodegradable bags will be picked up during the scheduled brush week on your garbage collection day.

Will the City pick up my Christmas tree?

YES. Christmas tree collection will take place during 2 weeks in January. Artificial or flocked trees will not be collected. Check the City website for exact dates. Trees must not be buried by snow, must be removed from plastic bags, and must have the decorations and/or tree stands removed. Trees should be placed on the terrace or driveway apron, no later than 5 am on your scheduled garbage collection day.

What can I do with my grass clippings?

Grass clippings will not be collected at any time by the city. There are a few options when dealing with grass clippings:

  • Let the grass clippings remain on your lawn. Grass clippings are over 80% water, so they decompose quickly and release nitrogen and other nutrients back into the lawn and soil naturally, thereby improving lawn quality.
  • Use the grass clippings as mulch. Mulching reduces weeds, modifies soil temperature, and retains moisture. Mulch maintains good soil structure by reducing the force of rain droplets. It minimizes erosion by protecting the soil surface. When using clippings as a mulch, layers deeper than 2 inches will rot and produce a foul smell. Scatter and allow the first thin layer to dry. Later, add more clippings to produce a 4- to 6-inch-deep mulch. Do not mulch with clippings from a lawn that has been treated with a weed control product within the last two weeks. The herbicide on the clippings can harm desirable bedding and garden plants. These clippings are best left on the lawn where the clippings and herbicide are broken down naturally by soil microbes and earthworms.
  • Add the grass clippings to a compost pile. Grass clippings contain nitrogen and can be a valuable addition to compost.
  • Grass clippings may be dropped off at the City of Oshkosh Yard Waste Drop off site. Grass clippings may also be dropped off at the Winnebago County Transfer Station (920) 232-1800, 100 W. County Road Y, Oshkosh.