Leaf Collection Reminder
The City of Richmond provides for the collection of yard waste, including leaves, through its contract with Waste Management. Yard waste is collected in the City on Tuesdays from April through November. The City of Richmond does not collect leaves from private property that are raked into the curb line.
According to the Waste Management Contract...
Yard waste is collected by Waste Management at curbside, provided it is in reusable containers not exceeding thirty (30) gallons in volume and fifty (50) pounds in weight. Yard waste may also be placed in paper composting bags not to exceed 30 gallons or 50 pounds in weight. The limit is 10 bags per week. Yard waste cans must be marked with a sticker stating “Yard Waste Only.” Stickers are free and available at City Hall.
It is a violation of City Ordinance to rake leaves into the City Streets. It is covered under the City's Code of Ordinances Article VII - Offenses Against Property.
ARTICLE VII. - OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY - DIVISION 5. - LITTER
Sec. 54-313. - Littering prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person, knowingly, without the consent of the public authority having supervision of the public property or without the consent of the owner of private property, to cast, throw, dump, sweep, sift, leave or deposit litter in or upon any public property
As the City Streets are considered public property the raking of leaves into City streets is prohibited. Under City Ordinance, leaves fall under the definition of litter when placed or raked onto someone else's property such as the City's Street Right of Way. The Department of Public Works is not equipped or staffed to handle the additional leaves from private property. Violation of this ordinance is a misdemeanor.
The City thanks you for your cooperation in disposing of leaves through the proper methods under our contract with Waste Management.