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District Services

Leaf Collection & drop-Off

Several unincorporated areas of Lake County, Indiana lack local leaf collection services. To address this gap, we provide leaf vacuum trucks that collect leaves from these residents free of charge, The leaves are then transported to the District’s compost site in Gary, Indiana, and converted into certified compost, which we offer back to residents for free.

2026 Spring Leaf Drop-Off

Lake County residents may bring leaves to one of our four drop-off locations as art of our Leaf Drop-Off program. The 2026 Spring program begins on March 30th and runs through May 15.

Leaf Dropoff Guidelines:

  • No plastic bags! Material must be placed in brown biodegradable yard waste bags.
  • Material accepted for this program is limited to leaves and twigs.
  • Twigs should not exceed 3 inches in diameter by 3 feet in length.
  • Residents are responsible for the purchase of their own biodegradable yard waste bags.
  • This program is not available to businesses, schools, or organizations.

Leaf Drop-Off Locations:

  • Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center
    1900 W. 41st. Ave., Gary, IN
  • Lake County Fairgrounds
    889 Court Street, Crown Point, IN
    (enter through the main gate on Court street and head straight to the west end of the fairgrounds)
  • Lake County Solid Waste Management District
    8695 Broadway Ave, Merrillville, IN 
  • St. John Township Community Center
    1515 W. Lincoln Hwy, Schererville, IN

The 2025 Leaf Collection Program has concluded.

Check back later this year for details regarding the upcoming Fall 2026 Program.

Contact Information

For further information please contact the Lake County Solid Waste Management District (219) 853-2420

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