City-wide leaf collection starts early next month

Halloween decorations are out, locals are buying pumpkins, and the leaves are starting to turn. It’s that time of year again, and starting next month, the City of Alexandria will be resuming its annual leaf vacuuming and leaf bag collection.

On Monday, Nov. 1, the city’s leaf vacuuming and bag collection starts for those residents that receive city trash and recycling collection, the city said in a press release. Leaf collection is slated to continue into January.

The city is divided into five collection zones, with first-pass dates ranging from Nov. 1 to Nov. 16. Each of the city’s five collection zones will get three passes throughout fall/winter. Residents have three options for how to recycle leaves.

• raking leaves to the curb for vacuum collection
• collecting leaves in paper leaf bags for collection
• Composting leaves and yard waste at home

The city noted that leaves in plastic bags will be considered refuse and thrown away as trash.

“Please do not mix brush or other items with leaves, as these items may injure City workers, damage equipment or private property, or cause delays,” the city said in the press release. “Free biodegradable leaf bags are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Bags will be available starting October 18. Please wear a mask and maintain 6 feet of physical distance from others while picking up leaf bags (limit 15 bags per residential household, not available for commercial use).”

Bags are available at:

• City Hall (301 King Street): Monday – Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
• City of Alexandria Self-Serve Shed (Roth Street and Business Center Drive): Available 24/7
• Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street): Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Avenue): Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Avenue): Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
  Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.