North Raleigh Today

Most trees in the City of Oaks have shed their leaves, leaving residents with various options for disposal. Residents can place up to 15 biodegradable paper bags at the curb for yard waste pick-up. "As of 2023, Solid Waste Services stopped picking up yard waste in plastic bags," a measure aimed at reducing Raleigh's plastic waste and increasing efficiency.

Composting is another option. Dead leaves serve as an excellent carbon source to balance nitrogen from food scraps, allowing residents to create nutrient-rich soil and save on fertilizer costs.

Leaves can also be dropped off at the Yard Waste Center using paper bags, truck beds, or trailers. Alternatively, residents may choose to leave their leaves on the ground. This method provides ecological benefits by returning nutrients to the soil as they decompose and offering habitat for insects.

The city's Transportation Department offers Loose Leaf Collection services with specialized vacuum equipment between November and February. Residents should rake leaves into piles at their yard's edge but avoid including limbs or trash that could damage equipment.

For those using yard waste carts, leaves can be placed in lime green carts for regular collection days. Additional carts are available for a one-time fee of $55 plus a $2 monthly service fee.