The city's Department of Streets will implement a new leaf-collection policy beginning on Monday.

In previous years, the city offered a mechanical leaf-collection service. Blowers, sweepers and vacuums would collect leaves that neighbors raked off their lawns and sidewalks onto the street.

The new policy will require residents to place the leaves in biodegradable paper bags that should be placed curbside on regular rubbish collection days. The leaves will be composted.

The program will run through Dec. 18. Neighbors also can drop off bagged leaves at the Department of Streets location at State Road and Ashburner Street in Holmesburg.

The sanitation department will not collect plastic bags or unbagged piles of leaves at curbside.

City Councilman Brian O'Neill (R-10th dist.) has spoken with Clarena Tolson, commissioner of the Department of Streets, and she has indicated that violators of the new policy will receive warnings, not fines, at least at the beginning of the program. They will also be given a written explanation of the proper way to dispose of leaves.

O'Neill has several concerns with the new program, including what he sees as a late start by the streets department in telling Philadelphians about the new policy.

"People are already sweeping leaves into the street and making neat piles," he said.

O'Neill's staff called to see which stores carry biodegradable paper bags. Wal-Mart does not, according to the councilman, but they are available at Home Depot, Lowe's and Sears.

A five-pack runs roughly $2. Besides being a little concerned with the cost, O'Neill believes placing leaves in a paper bag is much more difficult than an elastic plastic bag.

"There's a higher expense and a tougher bag to deal with," he said.

The streets department prefers paper bags because work crews will be able to distinguish them from regular trash.

O'Neill asked Tolson if the city could provide the bags for free or offer coupons, but the commissioner explained only that a rewards program could be in place by next fall to offset the cost.

"The Nutter administration is cutting costs any way it can, and there are no exceptions," the councilman said.