How to properly dispose of fall leaves

Published on November 13, 2017

Now that fall has sneaked right in, there’s a good chance that your yard is proving the seasons have changed.

The autumn leaves are now a challenge for many residents, and for the City of Huntsville as well.

Chris McNeese, Director of Public Works for the City of Huntsville, reminds that bagged leaves will be picked up during the regular neighborhood trash pickup routes.

“We just ask that residents bag their leaves securely, don’t over-stuff them, and we’ll do the rest,” he said.

Some things to note:

• Leaves should be bagged. Bags should not exceed 50 pounds
• Leaves should not be blown or raked to curbsides. There is no vacuum pickup.
• Other yard debris (broken limbs, dead plants, etc.) must be placed curbside in a 32-gallon container, with the weight not to exceed 50 pounds.
• Leaves and yard debris must not be placed in the green sanitation cans and left as garbage pickup; the loose dirt and some large items can damage the compressing equipment on the trucks.
• Commercial construction debris may not be left for City pickup.
• Bulky trash (old microwaves, furniture, etc.) may be left curbside for weekly pickup
• Household hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, motor oil, etc.) may not be left curbside. It may be taken for proper disposal to the City Landfill on Leeman Ferry Rd. on the first Saturday of each month, between 8 a.m. and noon.

“We still have people who ask about vacuuming leaves,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “While that would be a convenient service, it is cost-prohibitive and would be too much of a burden on taxpayers. There are hundreds and hundreds of miles of City streets, and, cost in equipment and manpower aside, it’s not feasible to vacuum at every home because residents might not be disposing of their leaves within the same time frame.”

To find our when garbage is collected in your neighborhood, enter your address in My Huntsville Services . For other information about garbage, trash and recycling, click here or call (256) 883-3964.