Public Works

Leaf Collection operations are undertaken in the fall from approximately November 1 to approximately December 31 each year.

The leaf collection schedule will be updated regularly in the Free Lance-Star, on local radio stations, on Cox Channel 24,on the City’s website, and on FRED ALERT: https://www.fredericksburgalert.com

The Public Works Department collects unbagged leaves placed near the street by residents for collection. Residents are responsible for watching the posted schedule to ensure their leaves are at curb at the appropriate time for collection. 

Two crews of 6-8 employees each are assigned to the program.

Leaves are vacuumed and shredded, and transported to a designated composting site.

Two complete “passes” are made through each neighborhood of the City. Each “pass” requires approximately 20 days.

 Each year, enough leaves are collected to cover a football field (without the end zones) approximately 2 ½ feet deep in shredded leaves.

During dry weather, the leaf collection operation generates leaf dust. Residents should keep this in mind when parking vehicles on the street near piles of leaves. 

Wet weather makes the leaves very heavy and slows collection operations. Snow delays the program significantly.

Bagged leaves are also collected at no charge (only during fall leaf collection season). Residents may place bagged leaves near the street for collection but must then call the Public Works Department at 372-1023 in order to have someone dispatched to remove the bags. (Bagged leaves may not be stored on the curb. These bags are not collected with the trash).

Rake leaves to the street prior to the advertised date for crews to be in your neighborhood.

Place leaves in the “utility strip” between the sidewalk and curb if possible. Otherwise, place leaves as close to the street as possible.

Be careful not to block fire hydrants, drainage inlets, gutters or parking spaces.

Cover vehicles or move them off street during leaf collection if leaf dust is a concern on vehicle surfaces.

Don’t rake leaves to the street well before the scheduled date for crews to be in your neighborhood.

Don’t mix tree limbs, branches or any other debris in with the leaves.

Don’t park vehicles in locations that make leaf collection in the immediate vicinity difficult.

Don’t call to request that your leaves be collected out of order.