Richmond’s Department of Public Works starts its annual leaf collection program on Monday, October 5, 2026, and this year the city is spelling out four separate ways to get leaves off your property. RVAHub’s Richard Hayes laid out the details on October 1, and the City of Richmond leaf collection page confirms the start date. For anyone with a few mature trees, the dates matter, because the bulk-bag windows are weeks apart and depend on your trash day.
The four options, and the dates that decide which one works
Here is how the city describes the program, as reported by RVAHub and posted on the city’s own page.
- Bagged collection, starting October 5. Up to 6 bags go out on your normal trash day, placed near your supercan. Biodegradable bags are preferred.
- Unlimited bag collection in November and December. The city is split into four sectors based on trash day, and during your sector’s window you can set out an unlimited number of bags at the curb for weekend pickup.
- Do-it-yourself. Residents can compost or mulch. Compost bins are listed at $41.50, ordered by emailing [email protected]. The city’s page calls backyard composting the most efficient and environmentally sound option.
- Vacuum service, available from Monday, November 2. A $30 fee per request, paid before service, scheduled through RVA311 or by dialing 3-1-1.
Unlimited bag collection windows by sector
| Sector | Trash day | Bagged leaves picked up |
|---|---|---|
| Sector 1 | Wednesday | November 6 – 14 |
| Sector 2 | Thursday | November 20 – 28 |
| Sector 3 | Monday | December 4 – 12 |
| Sector 4 | Tuesday | December 18 – 26 |
Source: City of Richmond Department of Public Works, as reported by RVAHub on October 1, 2026. This is a city service schedule, not market data.
Where loose leaves can go
For loose leaves, RVAHub lists two drop-off points: the East Richmond Road Convenience Center at 3800 E. Richmond Road and the Maury Street Leaf Drop-Off at 2900 Maury Street. Bagged leaves can also go to the Hopkins Road Transfer Station at 3506 North Hopkins Road, which accepts bagged leaves only.
The vacuum service fine print
The vacuum option has the most rules, so it is worth reading before you pay. According to the report, payment must arrive before the city schedules anything, either added to a city utility account or mailed as a check or money order to the Department of Public Works at 900 East Broad Street, Room 704. Mailed payments need the RVA311 service request number written on them. Leaves must already be raked to the curb or property line, not into the street or gutters, with sticks and stones removed, and leaves will not be collected from the alley. Service is promised within 15 business days of a paid request, not counting weekends, city holidays or bad weather, and appointments cannot be scheduled. If 15 business days pass with no service and no significant weather, the city says to call 3-1-1.
What it means for Richmond neighborhoods
This is a City of Richmond program, so it applies to city addresses. Older city neighborhoods with established street trees, such as the Fan, Windsor Farms and Westover Hills, are where a long list of bag options tends to matter most, simply because more canopy means more leaves per lot. Residents of Henrico and Chesterfield should check their own county’s public works pages, since these dates and fees are the city’s alone.
There is a practical real estate angle too. If you plan to list this fall, a lawn buried in leaves hides your landscaping and makes a house look neglected in photos. Our guide to prepping a Richmond home for a fall 2026 listing covers the exterior checklist, our piece on staging on a budget covers what else photographs well, and the sector schedule above tells you when the city will take unlimited bags if you are working to a listing date. Sellers who want to talk through timing can start at our selling page, and buyers touring in November will notice the same thing, since curb appeal in leaf season shows how a lot is actually kept.
Browsing homes in these city neighborhoods?
See what is on the market now across the city and nearby counties in our live property search, or read about how we work with buyers.
Leaf collection questions
When does Richmond’s leaf collection program start?
The Department of Public Works begins its Annual Leaf Collection Program on Monday, October 5, 2026. From that date, up to 6 bags can go out on your normal trash day near your supercan, with biodegradable bags preferred.
How much does the leaf vacuum service cost and when does it begin?
The vacuum service is available from Monday, November 2 and costs $30 per request. Payment is due before service, either added to a city utility account or mailed as a check or money order to the Department of Public Works at 900 East Broad Street, Room 704.
How long does the vacuum service take after I pay?
The city says service happens within 15 business days of a paid request, not counting weekends, city holidays or bad weather. Appointments cannot be scheduled, and the city asks residents to call 3-1-1 if 15 business days pass with no service and no significant weather event.
Can I rake leaves into the street or put them in the alley?
No. The guidelines say to rake leaves to the curb or property line, but not into the street or gutters, and to remove sticks and stones that could damage equipment. Leaves will not be collected from the alley.
Where can I drop off loose leaves in Richmond?
Two drop-off locations are listed: the East Richmond Road Convenience Center at 3800 E. Richmond Road and the Maury Street Leaf Drop-Off at 2900 Maury Street. The Hopkins Road Transfer Station at 3506 North Hopkins Road accepts bagged leaves only.
What does a compost bin cost?
RVAHub reports compost bins are available for $41.50, ordered by emailing [email protected]. The city’s leaf collection page also lists 804-646-8325 for ordering a full-size bin.
Does this program cover Henrico and Chesterfield homes?
No. It is a City of Richmond Department of Public Works program. Homes in Henrico, Chesterfield and the other counties follow their own county services, so check your county’s website for dates and rules.
