Loose Leaf Collection Program

Loose Leaf Collection

Seasonally, the City offers a leaf vacuum service throughout Mebane. The Sanitation Department collects loose leaves beginning in October and continues through early March each year. The program provides residents with the opportunity to have loose leaves collected at roadside without the need for bagging during this collection schedule.

Participation and Routing

The program operates on a city-wide routing system that is based on city staff completing one leaf collection route of the entire city. Once the city route is completed, staff then returns to the beginning of the same planned route and begins again. A typical loose leaf collection route around the entire city takes about three to four weeks depending on the amount of leaves placed out for collection. This equates to about six complete loose leaf collection routes around the city.

• All sticks, rocks, trash, gravel, glass, or other solid matter are to be removed from leaves so as not to damage city equipment. If staff encounters debris in the leaf pile, they will discontinue collection at the property.
• Leaves are to be placed on the edge of the street in rows parallel to the street. Leaves should be carefully placed so as not to disrupt pedestrian safety on the sidewalk and are not to be placed in ditches or in the street such that the leaves will clog storm drains during rain events.
• Vehicles are to be parked away from the leaf pile to ensure the leaves are not obstructed in a manner that blocks the City vehicle access to safely collect the leaves.
• All leaves are to be kept away from storm drains, fences, water meters, and sewer cleanouts.

Despite all advanced preparation, adherence to these schedules depends on weather and equipment functioning properly.

In addition to the collection program, residents are encouraged to recycle their leaves by composting or shredding them and using them as fertilizer for lawns and gardens. You can also use leaves as mulch to protect plants and shrubs.

Mebane residents can also use the City’s year-round yard waste collection service. Simply put your leaves in clear plastic bags and set them at the curb on your normal garbage collection day.

Interested in Receiving Leaves?

If you are interested in receiving collected leaves, contact Public Works at 919-563-3401. In order to receive leaves, you must:

• Have a clear dump site for the leaves.
• Have clear access for the leaf truck.
• Be able to receive 25 cubic yards (approximately 3 to 4 tons) of wet or dry leaves.
• Understand the leaves are collected from city streets and the leaf loads may contain impurities.
• Accept the loads at no charge.