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

 

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Overview of Changes

  • Until June 30, 2026, you can put leaves in a Town yard cart (95 gallons), a yard bag (it’s gotta be paper), or personal cans with tight-fitting lids (less than 32 gallons and less than 60 lbs when full).
  • We'll collect five containers of leaves and yard trimmings each week per household.
  • Starting July 1, we'll only collect leaves and yard trimmings in Town yard carts. 

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?

  • We’ll continue to pick up one pile of branches, brush, and limbs per week if they’re 3 cubic yards or smaller with your weekly yard trimmings collection. (Starting July 1, 2026, we’ll no longer collect loose piles.)
  • Six to eight times a year, we sweep leaves that fall naturally and accumulate where the street meets the curb.

 

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 paper bags or 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 bags or 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 bags or 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.

 

Why is the yard cart price increasing?

The increase reflects rising costs for delivery, administration, and weekly 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:
    • Yard carts increase to $100.
    • We will only collect yard trimmings in Town yard carts. No more bags, personal cans, or small piles.
    • 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.