ELKHART — Leaf collection in the city of Elkhart begins Monday while work in Goshen and Nappanee is already under way.

Elkhart Mayor Dick Moore announced leaf pick up in the city of Elkhart begins next week for residents on the south side of the city.

Portions of the south side of the city are part of zone A, which see leaf collections next week and the week of Nov. 12. The zone is south of the railroad tracks to the city limits.

Leaf pickup will continue in zone B on the weeks of Oct. 22 and Nov. 19 in the neighborhoods north of the St. Joseph River and west of Johnson Street.

Zone C leaf pickup will occur during the weeks of Oct. 29 and Nov. 26 in the neighborhoods north of the St. Joseph River and East of Johnson Street.

Zone D leaf pick up will occur on the weeks of Nov. 5 and Dec. 3 and includes all neighborhoods south of the St. Joseph River up to the Main Line Norfolk Southern railroad tracks.

Street department crews will pick up the leaves and there will be no need to contact city offices, according to a statement issued by the city.

Residents are asked to rake the leaves to the edge of the street, but not into the street. The piles should not include limbs, trash, stones, or other debris.

Branches and limbs should be placed in a separate pile. Residents can also collect leaves into bags.

Anyone with questions should call the street department at 293-5518.

Goshen’s policies are similar to those in Elkhart.

Goshen officials also point out that leaf pickup does not include service in alleys and reminds residents that burning leaves is prohibited.

Leaf collection in Nappanee has already begun. There is no schedule and residents are encouraged to place leaves next to the street.

Leaf collection services in all three cities are expected to continue until completion or weather conditions make it too difficult.

Here's a map provided by the city of Elkhart's street department:

Leaf Removal 2012 - 8.5x11