Changes in Asheville’s Brush and Leaf Collection
In an effort to address community concerns, conserve costs, and improve water quality, the city has changed the brush and leaf collection program from monthly to twice per month. The city has also eliminated the use of loose leaf collection by vacuum trucks; as of July 1, all leaves must be bagged for collection. The city will provide large leaf bags to residents on a first-come, first-served basis; bags can be picked up at local fire stations.
The City of Asheville collects tree limbs, bagged leaves, and shrub trimmings separately from other garbage and bulky items. Brush should be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on Monday of your pickup week.
How to Prepare Brush for Collection
Tree limbs, brush, and shrub trimmings must be piled loose at the curb and must be free of other debris. Large volume brush piles, brush, and trimmings cut by contractors are not picked up by the sanitation division.
Here are tips to ensure that brush is collected on schedule each week:
• Place brush at the curb by 7 a.m. on the Monday of your collection week
• Place leaves, pine needles, pine cones, and other small yard waste in open bags or containers marked “brush”
• Brush needs to be cut into 4 foot lengths and 6 inches in diameter
• Do not place brush in the street or block the sidewalk
• Keep brush away from fences, walls, water meters, utility poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, trash pickup, and cars
• Avoid placing brush under utility lines and tree limbs
• Place thorny trimmings in a separate pile
The city does not collect grass clippings (homeowners may compost or leave grass on yard to fertilize lawn) or garden waste including vines and waste from flower or vegetable gardens.
Bagged Leaves Collected Year-round
Bagged leaves are collected twice a month throughout the year as part of the City’s bi-weekly brush collection. Place bags or containers at the street by 7 a.m. on Monday of your collection week. Any type of lawn or garden bag can be used. When bags are emptied, they are left for you to reuse again.
Here are a few guidelines to ensure that your bagged leaves are collected:
• Do not tie bags or place lids on containers
• Do not mix trash with the bagged leaves
• Place bags or containers near the street by 7 a.m. on Monday of your collection week
• If using a container, write “leaves” or “brush” on the container for crews to easily identify the container and not confuse it for trash collection
Burning of Loose Leaves
The burning of leaves is not permitted in the city; violators risk a fine from the Asheville Fire Marshal’s office of $250 to $500 or more, and violators may even be arrested. To report burning leaves, or ask for more information, contact the Asheville Fire Marshal’s office at (828) 259-5641. If violators are caught burning leaves, the Sanitation Division can issue a $50 fine in addition to any fines from the Fire Marshal’s office.
Other Options for Disposing of Leaves
One of the easiest and quickest ways to dispose of the loose leaves is to compost them. By running a mulching mower over the leaves, the leaves will compost directly into the lawn. Another way to compost them is by raking them into a compost pile. When spring arrives the leaves will have decomposed and will be a great soil additive for gardening.
The Buncombe County landfill will also accept leaves free of charge. Click here for directions to the Buncombe County landfill or call (828) 250-5462.
Christmas Tree Recycling
Christmas trees can be dropped off for recycling at the Buncombe County Landfill (85 Panther Branch Road), off Riverside Drive about 10 miles north of downtown Asheville, or at any private yard waste facility. City residents can place trees at the curb for regular brush collection after removing all lights, ornaments, and stands.
