Ankeny’s free leaf drop-off begins October 31 at Prairie Ridge

Image: AI-generated illustrative photograph of generic leaf bags and a rake; not the Prairie Ridge collection site, its containers or an example of every accepted material.

Autumn yard work is easier to organize when the destination is clear. Ankeny’s Leaf Collection Days run October 31–November 29, giving residents within city limits a free place to dispose of leaves at the Prairie Ridge Family Aquatic Center parking lot.

The site is at 1220 Northwest Prairie Ridge Drive. The city says disposal is available twenty-four hours a day during the program, with crews assisting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. This is a drop-off arrangement, not an announcement of collection from individual curbs.

The program is for leaves only. Yard-waste bags are permitted, while plastic bags and other containers must be removed after emptying. Check with a private hauler about branches or other yard waste rather than adding them to the leaf collection. Keep loads contained for the journey and follow the site’s directions when unloading.

Choose a manageable amount of work and a trip that fits the posted program dates. If help is needed, the weekend staffed window may be useful to plan around. Separating leaves from other materials before loading can save time at the site and help the shared collection area remain usable for the next resident.

Sources and visit details

• City of Ankeny: 2026 leaf drop-off dates, eligibility, hours and accepted materials