Montgomery County will begin its annual leaf collection program for much of the downcounty area on Nov. 10 and is again reminding residents not to leave piles of leaves in the street.

The county’s Department of Transportation has set up a map showing when leaf pick-ups are scheduled to be made for each neighborhood in Bethesda and much of North Bethesda. (Many of the incorporated sections of Chevy Chase have their own leaf collection services.)

Starting Nov. 10, MCDOT crews will vacuum up piles of leaves for six to eight weeks, with two scheduled pick-ups.

MCDOT is asking residents leave the piles of leaves on the edge of the property — not on the street.

Leaves can disrupt traffic, block out parking, clog storm drains, become frozen to the roads and set up a fire hazard for cars parked on top of piles. Failure to remove leaves from the street might result in a fine of up to $1,000 for illegal dumping.

Crews will post green signs throughout the work areas a few days before the scheduled pick-up, with the idea that residents will get at least a weekend to rake and pile leaves at the edge of the road.

The second collection will begin after Thanksgiving, depending on the weather. Red signs will indicate it’s the final collection.

Via MCDOT