As the leaves start to change across Wilson, our Environmental Services team is gearing up for one of their busiest and most beautiful times of the year -- leaf season! From late October through early spring, crews are hard at work keeping our neighborhoods clean, our streets safe, and our city looking its best.
Here is everything you need to know about how leaf collection works in Wilson and how you can help make this season run smoothly.
How Leaf Collection Works
During leaf season, Environmental Services uses vacuum trucks to collect loose leaves that are placed by the curb. These special trucks (currently there are 4) will make their rounds on fixed routes throughout the city from late October to early March, depending on the weather and leaf volume.
It is important to remember that our regular compost trucks continue to operate during this time -- so if you prefer, you can still put your leaves in a compost bin or tarp for pick-up on your usual service day.
And if you'd rather bag your leaves, that's fine too! Bagged leaves are picked up on Wednesdays, along with bulky item collection.
Why Separation Matters
Please help us keep our collection system running efficiently by keeping sticks, limbs, and pine straw separate from your loose leaf piles.
When other materials are mixed in with leaves, they can damage equipment or delay routes -- which slows down service for everyone. Keeping your piles clean helps our crews stay safe and keeps trucks running smoothly all season long.
Sustainable Ways to Handle Your Leaves
Not all leaves have to hit the curb! You can also reuse them right at home. Try mulching your leaves and spreading them around flower beds, shrubs, and trees. It's a free, natural way to insulate your plants and return nutrients to the soil over winter.
If you'd like to compost your leaves, the City's regular compost service will continue to pick them up each week -- no need to wait for the vacuum truck.
Holiday Schedule Adjustments
During the fall and winter months, several holidays will affect your regular collection schedule. Please note the following dates when Environmental Services will observe holidays and make route adjustments:
- Veterans Day: Monday, November 11
- Thanksgiving: Thursday & Friday, November 27-28
- Christmas: Wednesday - Friday, December 24-26
We'll share more details about adjusted routes closer to each holiday. You can also view the holiday schedule any time at Wilsonnc.org/EnvironmentalServices
Thank You, Wilson!
Our Environmental Services team works hard year-round to keep Wilson beautiful - and your help makes all the difference. By keeping leaves and sticks separated, bagging or composting when possible, and staying informed about holiday schedules, you help keep our community clean, safe, and efficient.
