Leaf collection season begins: What residents should know
By Staff Reports
The Winston-Salem Chronicle
Winston-Salem’s annual loose-leaf collection program began Monday, Nov. 3, with crews starting work in the city’s eastern and southern quadrants. Crews will rotate through the remaining areas until three full passes are completed, according to the city’s Sanitation Department.
The service, which runs through the winter months, allows residents to rake leaves to the curb for pickup at no extra charge.
How the quadrant system works
The city divides its leaf collection into four quadrants to keep service efficient:
• Quadrant 1: East of U.S. 52
• Quadrant 2: South of U.S. 421
• Quadrant 3: West of U.S. 421
• Quadrant 4: North of U.S. 52
Crews began this season in Quadrants 1 and 2 and will move clockwise through Quadrants 3 and 4. Each area will receive three complete passes before the season ends, city officials said.
Residents can find their quadrant and projected collection dates through the city’s Leaf Routes map at https://www.cityofws.org/606/Leaf-Routes or by calling CityLink at 311.
How to prepare your leaves
To help crews collect leaves efficiently, residents should follow these guidelines:
• Rake leaves behind the curb—not into the street or gutter.
• Keep piles free of sticks, rocks and other debris that could damage collection equipment.
• Do not place leaves on a tarp or over storm drains.
• Do not burn leaves inside city limits.
• Avoid parking vehicles in front of or on top of leaf piles.
• Loose-leaf pickup is available only for single-family homes. Residents in multiunit or commercial properties should use yard-waste carts or bags.
Expect possible delays
City officials note that the schedule can be affected by weather, equipment issues, or heavy leaf volume. Even if a crew has already visited a neighborhood once, residents may see them return two more times as part of the three-pass rotation.
Proper placement of leaf piles is essential. If piles are blocked by parked vehicles or contain debris, collection could be delayed or skipped.
Quick checklist for residents
Before raking:
• Confirm your quadrant online or via CityLink.
• Choose a dry day for raking.
While raking:
• Rake leaves behind the curb.
• Remove sticks, branches and trash.
• Keep piles clear of vehicles and storm drains.
After raking:
• Leave piles out until your area’s third pass is complete.
• Track truck progress through the city website or app.
What’s next
The city expects to collect thousands of tons of leaves before the season wraps up early next year. Officials encourage residents to stay patient as crews work through all neighborhoods.
For updates, visit https://www.cityofws.org/606/Leaf-Routes or follow @CityofWS on social media.
