The City of Raleigh is transitioning to a new weekly yard waste collection system starting September 8, 2026.
The City of Raleigh is changing its leaf collection process to improve street cleanliness and operational efficiency. Starting September 8, 2026, waste removal staff will no longer collect loose leaf piles from the curb. Instead, residents must place leaves in designated yard waste bins or in biodegradable paper bags. Residents may place up to 15 biodegradable bags on the curb at one time, along with up to five bundles of tied sticks and twigs. The city is offering five free biodegradable bags to residents who visit the Wilders Grove Solid Waste Services Facility. Additional bags can be purchased at local hardware or grocery stores. This new service, approved by the City Council in June 2025, provides 26 more yard waste pickups each year. The change moves the service from the Transportation Department to Solid Waste Services, allowing the Transportation Department to be dedicated to street maintenance and landscaping. The city also encourages residents to leave leaves on their property to return nutrients to the soil.
Sources
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Residents call Raleigh’s new leaf collection plan 'ridiculous'
WRAL
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This is how leaf pickup in Raleigh has changed
WUNC News
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Weekly Yard Waste Service is Here!
RaleighNC.gov