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 labor intensive, dependent on staffing and the weather. Citizens are asked to be patient and understand that pickup could be delayed due to staffing challenges and inclement weather.
 

Curbside leaf collection has concluded for the 2023-2024 season.

Until curbside leaf collection resumes in fall 2024, citizens are asked to refrain from raking leaves to the curb and are reminded to place leaves in reusable yard waste bags, 32-gallon open containers marked Yard Waste, or clear plastic bags for collection on their regularly scheduled garbage collection day. 

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 this causes numerous issues for you and your neighbors.

• 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 contaminated and result in a specialized pickup and associated fees.

• Leaves in reusable, collapsible yard waste bags; easily handled 32-gallon open containers marked Yard Waste; or clear plastic bags are collected weekly on your regular garbage day.

• Please remember that bagged leaves and yard waste must be placed in reusable yard waste bags, 32-gallon open containers, or clear plastic bags so crews can distinguish it from junk and garbage.

• Mulching and reusing your leaves and grass clippings around your yard helps to reduce the need for additional chemical fertilizers for your plants and lawn.

• 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