The tell-tale signs of Fall are probably all over your yard. Leaf collection begins in the city of Winston-Salem on Monday, Oct. 30. After wet weather, broken equipment, and staffing shortages caused frustration for residents last year, city leaders designed a collection plan to make sure crews are ready.
The city has 24 trucks dedicated to leaf collection this year, compared to 17 during the 2022-2023 collection season. There will also be 12 automated trucks in service, which will make it possible to collect leaves in two city quadrants at the same time. Trucks will make three passes through each of the city’s quadrants during leaf collection season — which is expected to run through January.
When you’ll see trucks
Leaf collection is only provided to single-family homes. Quadrants one and two will see trucks in their neighborhoods first this year. Residents can find their quadrant and estimated collection date the following ways:
- Enter your address on the city’s website
- Call or text CityLink and request the information
- Download the Winston-Salem Collects app for Apple or Android devices
- Check weekly updates posted to the city’s website
Raking responsibly
Don’t bag your leaves — they should remain in piles on the edge of your yard, not in the street. Some other reminders when raking or blowing leaves for pickup:
- Keep sticks, rocks, and other debris out of the pile
- Do not park vehicles on, in front of, or near leaves
- Do not put leaves on a tarp or over a storm drain
Other ways to get rid of leaves
Burning leaves is not allowed in city limits, but you can rely on weekly collections of your yard waste cart. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities also operates two permanent yard waste disposal facilities that are open year-round, but you will need to pay a fee to use them.