Concord's Fall Leaf Collection will return with bulk collection starting October 31 and bagged collection starting November 21.
Bulk leaf collection will continue as weather permits. Participating residents may rake leaves loosely to the curb for a one-time collection. Crews from Concord General Services will collect leaves in different areas of the city, focusing on residential areas within the City’s drainage system. Starting locations alternate each year; this year crew one will start at the Bow town line and work north, crew two will start at Blossom Hill Cemetery and work north towards Penacook, and crew three will start on Mountain Road near Fairview Drive and work south along the east side of the Merrimack River.
Trackless leaf loaders will be used for bulk collection, which will require residents to rake all leaves fully into the street to be reachable for collection. Residents are advised to not place leaves in piles or around obstructions such as mailboxes, signs, or poles. The City recommends keeping leaves in a tight windrow along the curb, sidewalk, or edge of pavement to keep streets clear. Refrain from on-street parking Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until collection is complete on the street to avoid blocking access to leaves.
Due to unpredictable leaf volumes at the curb and weather conditions, it is unknown when crews will reach certain areas for collection. Residents are encouraged to have leaves ready by the start of the program to not miss collection. Crews can only come to areas once and will not be able to return to areas already collected.
The only area with a predetermined collection is the area near Concord High School. Residents in this area receive bulk collection each year on Veterans Day in coordination with the school closure to minimize public disturbance as much as possible and in consideration of public safety.
Bulk leaf collection is weather dependent. Be prepared for changes in weather and remember that snow could possibly suspend collection. To guarantee leaf collection, especially as the weather changes, residents are advised to participate in the City’s bagged collection.
Bagged leaf collection will be available for three weeks to residents with curbside trash collection. Leaves must be placed in biodegradable yard waste bags or in rigid containers labeled for leaves, and must be at the curb by 7:00 a.m. each Monday, regardless of a resident’s trash day. Bagged leaf collection will not necessarily coincide with trash collection like it does in the spring. Leaves will be collected separately from trash and could occur before or after a designated trash day. Bags should be at the curb by November 21, November 28, and December 5 for collection each week.
Bagged collection is not weather dependent like bulk collection, but residents are encouraged to be proactive and bag leaves ahead of any anticipated snow storms if necessary to avoid snow cover. The City introduced the bagged program in 2018 to provide another option that provides more predictability and guaranteed collection. It has been well-received by residents and has allowed more opportunity for collection.
Alternative methods for leaf disposal include mulching leaves into the lawn, bringing them to a local accepting farm, or dropping them off at Gelinas Excavation & Earth Materials Recycling Center (free with proof of residency). Brush, branches, and limbs are not acceptable materials for the City’s leaf collection, but can be dropped off separately at Gelinas Excavation & Earth Materials Recycling Center for a nominal fee.
Gelinas Excavation & Earth Materials Recycling Center is located at 10 Intervale Road, off Fort Eddy Road, and is open 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday hours will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on November 5, November 12, November 19, and December 3. No Saturday hours on November 26 due to the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Hours are weather permitting and should be confirmed by calling ahead of drop off.
Find more information at www.concordnh.gov/leafcollection, including frequently asked questions and maps of crew routes and completed collection areas.
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