Richmond to launch annual leaf collection program in October as fall begins

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond is giving residents an easy way to manage seasonal yard waste and support clean streets with its annual leaf collection program, as Monday marked the first official day of autumn.

The city's Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin the program on Monday, Oct. 6, with officials citing leaf removal as "vital to the health of the city’s right of way and stormwater infrastructure."

Virginia’s first fall foliage report of 2025 shows slight color changes in some areas

The department is offering residents the following options for leaf collection:

• Bagged Collection Option
  • Starting that Monday, Oct. 6
  • Up to 10 bags collected on normal trash day (place bags near supercan)
  • Biodegradable bags preferred
• Unlimited Bag Collection Option: During November and December, the city will split into four sectors for bagged leaf collection, based on trash collection.
  • Sector 1: Wednesday trash collection
  • Sector 2: Thursday trash collection
    • Bagged leaves will be picked up between Nov. 21 and Nov. 29
  • Sector 3: Monday trash collection
    • Bagged leaves will be picked up between Dec. 5 and Dec. 13
  • Sector 4: Tuesday trash collection
• Do-it-Yourself (DIY) Options
  • Residents can drop off loose leaves or put them in biodegradable bags at the following locations:
    • East Richmond Road Convenience Center located at 3800 East Richmond Road, or
    • The Maury Street Leaf Drop-Off located at 2900 Maury Street
    • The Transfer station located at 3506 North Hopkins Road only accepts bagged leaves.
• Vacuum Service Option
  • Available Monday, Nov. 3
  • Cost: $30 fee per request (payment due prior to service)
  • Scheduling: Go to RVA 311's website or call 3-1-1
  • Payment Options:
    • COR Utility Account -- $30 fee will be added to your utility bill
    • Via mail

The department said the service will take place within 15 business days of the paid request after payment is confirmed. This does not include city holidays or inclement weather.

Scheduled appointments for leaf collection cannot be accomodated, per city officials.

Anyone who has not received service within 15 business days of the request, without significant weather events, should call 3-1-1. Officials said this does not include holidays,

For more information, visit the city's leaf collection webpage.