The City of Hickory offers curbside collection of leaves during specific times of the year (typically November through January) as one of the many services provided by the Solid Waste Division of Public Services. Each collection area of the city will have two pickups, and time allotted in each area is based on the number of mature trees and size of each collection area. This service is very dependent on weather and citizens are asked to be patient and understand that pickup could be delayed due to inclement weather.
 

Curbside leaf collection has concluded for the 2022-2023 season.

Outside of the announced curbside leaf collection schedule, citizens are asked to refrain from raking leaves to the curb and are reminded to place leaves in clear plastic bags or 32-gallon containers marked Yard Waste for collection on their regularly scheduled garbage collection day. Clear plastic bags are available at the City of Hickory’s Public Services Complex located at 1441 Ninth Avenue NE. 

For a nominal fee, special leaf collection service may be scheduled by calling (828) 323-7500.

Curbside Leaf Collection Tips:

• Rake all leaves to the curb by the quadrant’s first collection day. Trucks begin pickup in various areas of the quadrant to ensure efficient service. If leaves are placed to the curb after the first day, there is a risk that the leaves will not be collected during the scheduled time.

• Do not mow grass or blow leaves and other debris into the street, as it causes numerous issues.

• Keep leaves away from storm drains and out of the street to help prevent flooding and accidents during rain, snow, and/or ice events.

• Never park your vehicle on a leaf pile. A hot exhaust system could catch the leaves on fire.

• Do not mix leaves with junk, trash, rocks, or brush (sticks), as this will damage equipment, delay collection, and potentially cause injury. Mixed piles may be deemed as contaminated and result in a specialized pickup and associated fees.

• Leaves in clear plastic bags, or leaves in an easily handled open container, like a 32-gallon container marked Yard Waste, are collected weekly on your regular garbage day.

• Please remember bagged leaves and yard waste must be placed in clear plastic bags so crews can distinguish it from junk.

• Most importantly, please use extreme caution when operating motor vehicles in the vicinity of leaf collection crews. The safety of both residents and the leaf crews depend on it.

Click Here to view the City of Hickory Leaf Collection Video