The Public Works Department is pleased to announce the details of the 2023 Seasonal Leaf Collection Program. Residential curbside collection of loose leaves will begin on November 27, 2023 and run through the beginning of 2024.
Two collection periods are scheduled and residents can check collection dates and progress on the Leaf Collection Progress Map. By entering your address, you can easily establish your collection weeks and check if your street has already undergone collection.
When preparing for loose leaf collection, residents should consider these guidelines:
- Gather leaves into a tidy pile along the curb, gutter, or drainage ditches, taking care not to obstruct traffic or draining flow.
- Have leaves ready and at the curb before 7 a.m. on the first date of your collection period.
- Remove sticks, rocks and other debris from leaf piles.
- Do not cover water meters or utility boxes.
- Refrain from placing leaves at the roadside until the week before your scheduled collection.
- Law prohibits burning leaves in Newport News.
For residents who prefer to use clear plastic bags for leaf disposal, this service is available year-round on your regular bulk waste collection days. There is a limit of 30 clear, 33-gallon bags per collection.
If you're looking for more environmentally friendly leaf disposal methods, there are several options to consider: you can use your mower to shred the leaves, creating organic matter that benefits your winter grass; alternatively, you can add the leaves to a backyard composting pile, generating nutrient-rich material for your spring and summer gardening and landscaping needs. Lastly, leave a layer of leaves in garden beds can serve as a natural habitat for winter wildlife and pollinators, including turtles, butterflies, frogs, birds, and earthworms.
For any questions or additional information regarding Seasonal Leaf Collection, please contact the 311 Contact Center at (757) 933-2311 or visit the Seasonal Leaf Collection webpage.