Leaves

Lea en español aquí.

We’ve changed how we collect leaves. Just like trash and recycling, leaves now go in a container. This makes our operations more efficient, more sustainable, and more cost-effective. You can also just leave them where they fall. 

Yard trimmings collection, including leaves, is only for residential households.

What's Changing July 1, 2026

  • We will no longer collect anything in personal cans or items that are in the wrong cart.

    • Yard trimmings go in Town-issued yard carts only.
    • Trash goes in Town-issued trash carts only.
    • From November to January, leaves can go in Town-issued yard carts and/or paper bags (limit 5 containers per week).
    • Loose piles of yard trimmings of any size will cost $125/truckload. Small piles will no longer be part of weekly collection. 

What to do now:

Reminders:

  • Leaves no longer go in loose piles at the curb
  • Leaving your leaves? Please don’t pile them beside streams – this can cause algae issues in the summer.
  • We do not pick up yard trimmings from apartment complexes and/or neighborhoods with trash dumpsters or compactors.
  • Six to eight times a year, we sweep leaves that fall naturally and accumulate where the street meets the curb.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's staying the same with yard trimmings pickup?

  • Yard carts will stay $75/cart instead of increasing to $100/cart.
  • One additional trash cart per household is available for $60. Your first trash cart is free. 
  • We collect Christmas trees at no charge.
  • During leaf season (November - January), we'll accept paper bags. We'll collect up to five total containers each week, whether they're Town yard carts or paper bags.
  • We'll continue to accept financial assistance applications.

 

 

What happens with leaves that fall in the street naturally?

  • Our crews use the street sweeper to sweep:
    • downtown streets twice a week
    • major entranceway streets once a week
    • and residential streets six to eight times a year
  • They also monitor and adjust street sweeping resources when necessary if they can.
  • Our crews also coordinate cleaning loose leaves from sidewalks downtown.

Why can't we use personal cans after next year?

We’re making the transition to carts so that we can create a more efficient automated collection system. Instead of manually picking up personal cans, our crews can semi-automatically tip the contents of Town carts into our rear-loader trucks. This reduces the time spent at each stop and requires less physical labor. Our rear loaders don’t have a way to tip personal cans.

When will leaf collection begin?

Leaves in containers will be picked up on your regular yard trimmings collection day, which is three days after your trash collection day. So, there isn't really a start to leaf collection since it's becoming part of yard trimmings collection.

Monday trash collection = Thursday yard trimmings collection

Tuesday trash collection = Friday yard trimmings collection

 

Do I need to buy a new yard cart?

If you already have a brown Town yard cart, you can keep using it. You can buy up to four  more carts if you need them.

Starting July 1, 2026, we’ll only accept Town yard carts  for yard trimming collection, including leaves. No more paper bags, or personal cans.  Loose brush pile collection will cost $125

What can I do if I can't afford to buy yard carts?

On January 20, 2026, we're launching a financial assistance application for discounted services, including yard and trash carts, bulky item pickup, and large pile collection.

 

What happens if I leave my leaves at the curb?

We won’t collect them.

Where can I take my leaves if they don't fit in the containers and I don't want them in my yard?

Orange County residents can bring a truck load per day or weekend to an Orange County Waste & Recycling Center for no charge. For a fee, landscapers, non-residents, and private businesses can drop off yard trimmings at the Orange County Landfill.

 

Where can I get mulch?

The Orange County Landfill at 1514 Eubanks Drivesells mulch and compost. Delivery options are available.

What is the timeline for all the changes?

  • July 1, 2025:
    • Yard carts increase to $75.
    • Yard trimmings dumpster rental is no longer available
  • Fall 2025-Winter 2026:
    • Loose leaves must go into a container to be picked up as part of the weekly Yard Trimmings Collection program. Limit to 5 containers per week.
    • We will continue collecting one pile of branches, brush, and limbs per week if they’re 3 cubic yards or less.
    • We will continue collecting large piles for $125 per truckload. 
  • July 1, 2026:
    • We will only collect yard trimmings in Town yard carts. No more personal cans or small piles.
    • From November to January, you can place leaves in up to 5 leaf bags and/or yard carts.
    • If you have piles that are too big to fit in the yard carts, you can purchase a large pile collection for $125.
    • We will only collect household trash in Town trash carts. No more personal cans.

 



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