What to do with fallen leaves
Keep streets and storm drains clear
Per city code 11-103 and 105 (b) & (c), Residents are responsible for leaf removal to the center of the adjacent right of way.
In other words, please remove leaves that are in the sidewalk and street in front of your home. Do not rake or blow leaves into the street! They clog storm drains.
Consider “Leaving the leaves” in your yard
The James River Association offers the following guidance on fall leaves:
Fallen leaves benefit soil health. As they decompose, leaves act as a natural fertilizer. Nutrients including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are released into the soil, enriching it and promoting healthier plant growth. Leaf litter also acts as a mulch, helping retain moisture in the soil and protect plant roots during the cooler weather.
This fall, instead of reaching for your rake or leaf blower and bagging fallen leaves, consider the following tips that can help support wildlife and improve soil health:
Give your rake a break: Leave leaves in your yard where they fall. Not only is this the most ecologically beneficial option, it is also the least labor-intensive.
Use leaves as mulch: Manage leaves by raking them into designated areas in your yard where they can provide habitat for wildlife and breakdown. Consider using them as mulch in gardens and landscapes or composting them.
Mulch leaves: If using leaves as mulch or composting them are not options, consider using a lawn mower to mulch them. Mulching leaves will clear them from your yard and help them break down faster, thereby returning nutrients to the soil.
Participate in DPW’s Annual Leaf Collection Program
The instructions below have been adapted from DPW’s September 29, 2026 Press Release — click here for full details.
Bagged Collection
You can place biodegradable bags of leaves next to your supercan in your normal trash collection spot. On your typical trash day DPW will collect:
6 bags each trash day starting October 5
An unlimited number of bags between December 18 and 26 (4th District)
Do-it-Yourself
Residents can compost or mulch leaves.
Compost bins are available for $41.50.
If interested in purchasing a bin, email askpublicworks@rva.gov .
Residents can drop off loose leaves or put them in biodegradable bags at the following two locations:
East Richmond Road Convenience Center | 3800 E. Richmond Road
Maury Street Leaf Drop-Off | 2900 Maury Street
Additionally, residents can take bagged leaves to Hopkins Road Transfer Station at 3506 North Hopkins Road.
Vacuum Service
Available Monday, November 2
Cost: $30 fee per request (payment due prior to service)
Scheduling: Go to www.RVA311.com or call 3-1-1
Payment Options:
COR Utility Account - $30 fee will be added to your utility bill, or
Via Mail
Check or Money Order – payable to the City of Richmond
Mail payment to:
Attn: DPW Vacuum Leaf Collection Service
900 East Broad Street, Room 704
Richmond, VA 23219
Note: a service request ID number is generated for requests made through the RVA311 system, please be sure to include that number on the check or money order
Guidelines:
Payment must be received before collection will be scheduled
The leaves must be raked and ready for collection when the request is made
Rake leaves to the curb or property line, but not into the street or gutters
Remove sticks, stones or other objects that may damage equipment
Leaves will not be collected from the alley
What to Expect:
Once payment has been confirmed, the service will take place within 15 business days of the paid request, not including weekends, city holidays or inclement weather
Scheduled appointments for leaf collection cannot be accommodated
Vacuum service may be delayed during inclement weather
Note: if you have not received service within 15 business days of your request (not including city holidays) and there have been no significant weather events, please call 3-1-1