Henrico leaf collection to start in November

Residents encouraged to keep leaves from blocking storm drains

Henrico County will kick off its 2016-17 leaf-collection services Nov. 14 with several options to help residents maintain their yards and properties.

Free collection of bagged leaves is scheduled from Nov. 14 through Feb. 5. Crews will work week to week in five zones. Each area will receive two pickups, with the second cycle starting when the first one ends.

For a schedule and map of zones, go to henrico.us/services/bagged-leaf-collection. Collection is provided automatically for residents living in the designated zones; residents living outside those areas can place an order for free pickup by calling (804) 727-8770.

Bags of leaves should be free of trash and other debris and placed at the curb or road’s edge by 7 a.m. on the Monday of the assigned pickup week. Any number of bags will be collected, but they must be accessible from the street as crews are not authorized to enter private property.

Henrico also will offer vacuum leaf service by request during two collection periods. A fall collection will occur from Nov. 14 through Dec. 31 followed by an early spring collection from Feb. 27 through March 31. Leaves should be placed at the curb or road’s edge and be free of trash, sticks and other debris.

Residents can order the $30 vacuum service at henrico.us/services/vacuum-leaf-collection or by calling (804) 501-4275.

Whether using the bagged pickup or vacuum service, residents are encouraged to avoid piling bags or loose leaves in traffic lanes, parking spaces, storm drains or ditches. In addition to creating a potential traffic hazard, misplaced leaves can block drainage and contribute to stormwater pollution, noted Mercer Cronemeyer, environmental inspector with Henrico’s Department of Public Works.

“Leaves that get into our streams and waterways often contain dirt, pet waste and other contaminants, which have a negative impact on water quality,” Cronemeyer said.

Henrico’s public-use areas, located at 2075 Charles City Road and 10600 Fords Country Lane, offer residents another leaf-disposal option. Bagged leaves will be accepted at no cost from Nov. 14 through Feb. 5 and for $3 per visit at other times. Loose leaves and other yard debris are accepted year-round at no charge. The public-use areas are open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. except for certain holidays.

Henrico’s leaf collection program is a joint effort by the departments of Public Utilities and Public Works.

 
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