Raleigh’s loose leaf collection begins soon. Here’s how to make sure yours get picked up
Leaves have started to cover yards across Raleigh, but the city will soon start its annual collection process.
Starting Tuesday, Nov. 12, the city will begin vacuuming up the tree detritus.
Keep these dos and don’ts in mind to ensure that your yard isn’t left out of the seasonal pickup.
When will my leaves get picked up?
The city will collect leaves twice over the next few months.
The first collection pass begins Nov. 12 and ends Tuesday, Feb. 4. Raleigh has not yet shared the schedule for the second collection round, but it will be posted on the city’s website, raleighnc.gov/leaf.
Rain and volume of leaves affect the collection process and may change the schedule.
Each property in Raleigh city limits falls within one of 12 collection zones. Find your zone by searching your address on the city’s interactive map. Residents may also call the Transportation Maintenance Service Unit at 919-996-6446.
Leaf collection only applies to single-family homes. The city will not pick up leaves from properties such as businesses, schools, churches or apartment complexes.
How should I prepare my yard?
Place leaves in piles at the edge of your yard, near the curb, no more than 6 feet from the street. Make sure limbs, trash, rocks and vines — which could damage the vacuum equipment — are not in the piles.
The piles should be away from objects such as parked vehicles, fences, mailboxes, fire hydrants, water meters, utility boxes, guy wires, landscaping and holiday decorations. If the piles are too close to these things, the leaves will not be picked up.
Also, make sure leaves are not in the street or on sidewalks.
Trim low-hanging limbs near the front of the property. The collection equipment requires 16 feet to pass underneath limbs.
Best practices for Raleigh leaf collection
The city offers additional dos and don’ts for leaf pickup:
- Yard waste, including loose leaves, generated by a landscaping contractor will not be collected.
- Don’t mix pet waste with the leaves.
- Don’t block storm drains with leaves.
- Don’t put holiday trees in the leaf piles.
What if my yard is missed?
If you think your yard was missed by mistake, you can report it to the city online. Go to raleighnc.gov/leaf and scroll down to the “Missed Leaf Collection Form” section.
What are the alternatives to the city’s leaf pickup?
- Leave your leaves: It’s better for your lawn/garden and the environment.
- Compost
- Hire a landscape contractor
- Haul the leaves and other yard waste to the city’s Yard Waste Center at 900 N. New Hope Road. There’s a dump fee, and MasterCard, Visa, checks with proper ID and cash are accepted.
- Curbside yard waste service: The city’s Solid Waste Services Department collects yard waste (placed in city-issued bright green carts) the same day as recycling, but alternate weeks. You can also put 15 biodegradable paper bags and five stick bundles at the curb for collection.
