The Town of Waynesville Public Works Department would like to remind residents that fall leaf collection will begin Monday, October 26, 2026.

Beginning October 26, Town crews will begin using the leaf vacuum to collect loose, unbagged leaves from Town residents. Leaf collection will follow the Town's established collection routes.

During leaf collection season, regular brush and yard-waste collection will be suspended in accordance with Section 44-45 of the Town of Waynesville Code of Ordinances. Residents should not mix brush, limbs, branches, sticks, or other yard debris with loose leaves. Regular brush and yard-waste collection will resume following the end of leaf collection season, which is the end of January.  While yard waste and brush collection is suspended, residents can take their waste to the White Oak Landfill located at 3898 Fines Creek Road.

Leaf Collection Guidelines:

To help our crews collect leaves safely and efficiently, residents are asked to follow these guidelines:

DO:

  • Rake leaves to the edge of the street or curb prior to the scheduled collection date for your neighborhood.
  • Keep leaves in a separate pile from limbs, branches, sticks, and other debris.
  • Keep sidewalks, fire hydrants, drainage inlets, gutters, and parking spaces clear.
  • Keep leaves out of storm drains and drainage ditches.
  • Move vehicles away from leaf piles, when possible, to allow collection equipment to operate safely.
  • Be aware that dry weather can create significant leaf dust during vacuum collection.

DON'T:

  • Do not bag leaves. The Town's leaf vacuum is designed to collect loose leaves.
  • Do not mix brush, tree limbs, branches, sticks, or other debris with leaves.
  • Do not place leaves in storm drains, drainage ditches, or other areas where they could block drainage.
  • Do not block sidewalks, fire hydrants, drainage inlets, gutters, or parking spaces with leaf piles.
  • Do not park vehicles where they prevent the leaf vacuum from reaching the leaf pile.
  • Do not call to request that leaves be collected out of order.

Residents are responsible for placing their leaves at the curb at the appropriate time for collection. Leaves collected by the Town are vacuumed, shredded, and transported to a designated composting site.

Wet weather can make leaves significantly heavier and slow collection operations, while snow can cause additional delays. Residents are encouraged to be patient as crews work through each collection route.

For questions regarding leaf collection or the collection schedule, please contact the Town of Waynesville Public Works Department at 828-456-3706. For more information on sanitation holiday schedules, bulk pick up, recycling, and more, please visit https://www.waynesvillenc.gov/services/trash-pickup.