Leaves, Grass Clippings and Yard Waste

Temporary Lifting of Clear Bag Restriction

As of April 15, 2020, due to resource availability issues stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, residents can use standard trash bags for leaf and yard waste collection. Clear bags are not required, until further notice. 

Leaves and Grass Clippings

Never rake leaves or grass clippings into storm drains or ditches. This will create blockages and lead to flooding in your neighborhood. It can also cause environmental issues as the leaves and grass clippings make their way to local waterways and cause algae blooms, killing off aquatic life.

The best way to handle leaves and grass clippings is to just mulch them into the lawn using your mower. As the pieces break down, they'll release water and much needed nutrients to naturally fertilize your lawn.

If you must bag your leaves and grass clippings, place them in clear 35-gallon plastic bags and put them at the curb on your regular garbage day. No need to call for a bulk pickup. The limit is 30 clear plastic 35-gallon bags each week, except in November and December when you may put out 50 each week. Please do not include dirt, rock or mulch in these bags. Public Works will ONLY collect 50 bags per household per week -- please do not place more than 50 bags at curbside for pickup.

Other Yard Waste 

Non-bagged yard waste (bushes, shrubbery, tree branches/limbs) requires a bulk waste collection request (which can be done online or by calling 757-382-CITY) and must adhere to the following requirements:

• Must have been generated on the resident's property
• Must be bundled/stacked in a pile no larger than 4 feet wide by 4 feet high by 6 feet long
• Limit to one 4'x4'x6' bundle/stack per week
• Tree limbs and tree trunks can be no larger than 6 inches in diameter
• Root balls cannot be wider than 6 inches in diameter or longer than 6 feet (please remove as much dirt as possible)
• Place bundle/stack at least three feet away from any obstruction (mailbox, trash containers, cars) and separate from any household bulk items
• Bundle/stack should not block sidewalks, traffic or the flow of stormwater