Get your rakes ready. The county will begin its leaf collection service next week.
Leaf bag collection begins on Monday (November 3) and will run through Friday, January 9. Bags are collected on the next business day after your regular trash collection day. This includes holidays, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Biodegradable paper leaf bags are available at most hardware stores, or can be used if left over from previous collections. Limited quantities also are available for free at the following community centers:
- Aurora Hills Community Center, 735 18th Street South, 703-228-5715
- Courthouse Plaza Information Desk, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-228-3000
- Lee Community Center and Park, 5722 Lee Highway, 703-228-0552
- Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, 703-228-6535
- Lubber Run Community Center, 300 N. Park Drive, 703-228-4712
- Madison Community Center and Park, 3829 N. Stafford Street, 703-228-5310
- Solid Waste Bureau, 4300 29th Street South, 703-228-6570
- Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2nd Street South, 703-228-5920
Residents are asked to follow some guidelines for leaf bag collection:
- Remove dirt, stones, litter and other debris from your leaves.
- Place leaves only in biodegradable paper leaf bags because the bags will be made into mulch along with the leaves. Do not use plastic bags.
- Close the bags by folding the top down.
- Place your bags at the curb by 6:30 a.m., one business day after your trash day.
Vacuum leaf collection begins on November 10 and runs Monday through Saturday until December 19, except for Thanksgiving. Each civic association will receive two passes — one in November and one in December — and signs will be posted throughout the neighborhood three to seven days in advance. The full schedule is available online.
Residents are asked to follow some guidelines to prepare for vacuum collection:
- Rake your leaves to the curb.
- Don’t put leaves in roads more than seven days in advance of your scheduled vacuum leaf collection. It blocks traffic, limits street parking and is a fire hazard.
- Pile your leaves away from storm drains, water meter covers, low wires and parked cars.
- Remove stones, litter, branches and other debris from your leaves to prevent equipment damage and worker injuries.
- Don’t place leaves in plastic bags or trash carts.
- Never park your car on leaf piles. It’s a fire hazard.
More information is available on the county’s website.