Cary's Annual Loose-Leaf Collection Begins November 3

• Cary will begin collecting loose leaves on November 3; future collection dates are December 1 and January 5.
• Cary trucks will collect leaves throughout the month; a live map to track the status of collection on your street is available at carync.gov/leaves.

• For citizens who don't want to wait, Cary offers alternative disposal opportunities, including weekly yard waste, guidance on composting in your yard, and the option for contractors to dispose of residential leaves at the Citizen's Convenience Center.

Cary, NC - Cary's annual loose-leaf collection begins November 3, so if you're planning a weekend of yardwork, get ready to rake, kick, or blow your leaves to the curb. Loose leaf collection will continue on December 1 and January 5. Crews may occasionally pass through early while staging for the next route, but will return as scheduled to complete pickup. Crews will make at least two passes through every neighborhood before Christmas Day, turning collected leaves into compost.

To help crews stay on schedule, citizens should place leaves on the curb (not in the street or on sidewalks) up to one week prior to the collection date; piles should be kept clear of fire hydrants, storm drains, and water meter boxes. Leaf piles must be free of sticks, mulch, or rocks to ensure collection. Citizens can track the progress of leaf crews on the live map and are encouraged to avoid parking on the street while collection is underway to prevent piles from being missed.

For those who don't want to wait, Cary offers alternative disposal options, including weekly curbside yard waste collection and free residential leaf drop-off at the Citizen's Convenience Center. Contractors can also deliver leaves to the Citizen's Convenience Center at no charge by calling 311 or (919) 469-4000 with the homeowner's address and contractor's name. Whereas permitted by HOA, citizens are encouraged to consider letting leaves decompose in the natural areas of their yards to support wildlife habitats or collected as part of backyard composting.

Following loose leaf season, Cary will continue leaf collection by request from February 9 to March 31, 2026.

Every leaf collected through Cary's loose-leaf program is composted and reused locally, keeping organic material out of the landfill and returning valuable nutrients to the soil, supporting Cary's sustainability goals. For more information, collection reminders, and composting resources, visit carync.gov/leaves or download the Cary Collects app from the Apple or Android app stores.

Primary Contacts

If you have specific questions, visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, call (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email [email protected].

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