They're a great source of organic matter and some nutrients for your garden. Use Chopped Up Leaves as Mulch Leaves make a great mulch, especially under shrubs and trees. They slowly break down and improve the soil. Make Use of Community Clean-Up Days Call your local disposal company and see whether they have programs to pick up organic debris. Many communities do because their dumps are just getting too full.
Many communities also have community composting programs.
The municipal waste district collects leaves and grass clippings, composts them, and uses the compost in parks and playgrounds or sells it to landscapers and gardeners. Check with your solid waste district office to see whether you have such program in your town. Many people still burn their fallen leaves, but it's becoming a less desirable way to get rid of them, especially in heavily populated areas. Burning leaves just creates too much pollution. Contact your county or state air pollution control board to see whether burning leaves is even legal in your area.