@SeaMaiden....leaf pick up is 'free' so to speak, it is included in our utility bill. We don't have containers - we just continually fill a large rubbermaid trash container and dump it at the curb....after city wide leaf pick up is over we can take anything else to our recycling center. They have a large sweeper/vacuum sort of thing that they drive down all the streets and pick up leaves at the curb. They city workers do a great job.
We also have an 'all garbage pick up' once a month. You can put out just about anything (no paint, solvents, etc) and it is picked up. If you are remodeling you cannot put out your construction debris, but they take mattresses, furniture, etc. It is a great service.