The City of Raleigh provides leaf collection to all city residents. Specialized vacuum trucks drive through residential neighborhoods in the winter months to collect leaves. This service allows residents to rake leaves from their yards into piles near the curb.
Leaf collection will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The City of Raleigh announced this will be the final season of loose leaf collection. Beginning in Fall 2026, this service will be replaced with weekly yard waste pickup.
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City officials said this service will make things more consistent and reliable. Their goal is to create cleaner streets and eliminate debris in storm drains.
This year there are three options for Raleigh residents:
Bag it:
Place leaves in a yard waste cart or biodegradable paper bags.
Put yard waste in the city-issued bright green yard waste can and up to 15 biodegradable bags at the curb on waste collection day. Set everything on the curb by 6 a.m. on collection day.
Rake It:
Rake leaves into a near pile in the area between the curb and the sidewalk. Make sure piles do not block sidewalks, driveways or mailboxes.
Leave It:
Leaving fallen leaves will turn into mulch and enrich the soil and suppress weeds. This offers habitat for wildlife, reduces pollution and flooding. This eco-friendly alternative can be used in garden beds and compost bins.
Residents can find their pickup day by using the Raleigh Reuse tool.
For any questions, contact Raleigh Solid Waste services at (919) 996-3245.