The Department of Public Works will begin its Annual Leaf Collection Program on Monday, October 6, 2025. Leaf removal is vital to the health of the city’s right of way and stormwater infrastructure.
Bagged Leaf Collection
- Starting October 6
- Up to 6 bags collected on normal trash day (place bags near supercan)
- Biodegradable bags preferred
Composting
DPW advocates backyard composting as the most efficient and environmentally sound leaf disposal option. To order a full-size compost bin or get details on composting, call 804-646-8325 or send an email to [email protected]
Richmond Compost Initiative/Community Food Compost Program
Almost a quarter of all waste going to landfills is food and organic matter. This initiative seeks to reduce and divert food waste from the landfill by providing options for composting at convenient, citywide drop-off locations and then cycle that organic waste into high quality compost for community use.
Richmond residents interested in the program can visit the website for Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities or call 804-646-5733.
| 1. | When does the Leaf Collection Program start? |
| The leaf collection program starts October 6, 2025. The Vacuum Leaf component starts November 3, 2025. | |
| 2. | What type of bags should be used? |
| Preferably biodegradable/compostable plastic bags to keep the leaves and bags out of landfills, though all types of bags will be collected. | |
| 3. | Will the city provide bags for residents? |
| Periodically there will be bag giveaways, on a first-come first-served basis, in which residents will be given up to five (5) biodegradable plastic bags to promote environmentally responsible leaf disposal; However, outside of those events, residents will be responsible for purchasing bags. Bag distribution locations will be forthcoming. | |
| 4. | How many bags will be collected and when? |
| Up to 6 bags will be collected on your trash day, weekly; However, there is unlimited bag collection by sector during sector collection dates (see map). On these collection days, residents can place as many bags as they like for pick up. | |
| 5. | Where should residents place bagged leaves for collection? |
| Place them near your supercan, or where your normal trash collection is located, even if it's in an alley. | |
| 6. | What if there are so many bags it blocks the alley? |
| It is unlawful to block the alley, sidewalk or thoroughfare, so be mindful that the number of bags that are put out are in adherence to this law. | |
| 7. | Will elderly or residents with disabilities receive assistance with leaf removal? |
| Residents who are physically unable to bag their leaves should go to Parks and Recreation Volunteer Initiatives or contact the city's Neighbor-to-Neighbor team at 804-646-6528 to determine if they qualify for assistance. | |
| 8. | Where can residents dispose of leaves themselves? |
| • East Richmond Landfill at 3800 East Richmond Road, Richmond, VA 23223 - Accepts only loose leaves or leaves in biodegradable paper bags • Maury Street Landfill at 2900 Maury Street, Richmond, VA 23224 - Accepts only loose leaves or leaves in biodegradable paper bags • Transfer Station at 3506 North Hopkins Road, Richmond VA 23224 - Accepts ALL bagged leaves |
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| 9. | How do you pay for vacuum collection? |
| The vacuum collection component of the program starts November 3, 2025. Residents should go to the RVA311.com icon to make a request for vacuum leaf collection. Please note: the $30 payment is per vacuum request. Vacuum service will be scheduled 15 business days (not including city holidays or inclement weather) from the date of the paid request. Make sure leaves are raked to the curb or property line, but not into the street or gutter. Remove sticks, stones or other objects that may damage equipment. Payment for vacuum collection can be made two ways: 1) Request service online with RVA311 or by using the RVA311 mobile app from your mobile device and select your payment option. 2) After service request is made, send $30 check* or money order* (made payable to City of Richmond) and mail to: Richmond Department of Public Works Attention: Vacuum Leaf Program 900 East Broad Street, Suite 704 Richmond, VA 23219 *Please include the Service Request ID # on your payment. You will receive this # when requesting service through RVA311 |
