Temperatures are growing colder, and the annual task of disposing of falling leaves has already begun.
Again this year, the City will offer expanded weekly collection instead of a once-a-year vacuum approach. The City used this method in 2022. Given the unpredictable and extended nature of leaf fall, many residents found the expanded weekly service better met their needs than a one-and-done approach.
There are multiple ways to dispose of your leaves this fall:
1. Keep them. It’s free fertilizer. Mow leaves back into your lawn. This method is great for your soil and is often easier than raking. Mow regularly, especially if the leaves are wet. You might need to make a couple of passes to break down leaves into dime-sized pieces. You do not need a special mower to mulch your leaves. Leaves are also great for backyard composting.
2. Let the City take them. If you have city waste service, crews will pick up yard waste each week on your regular collection day. The collected material will be turned into mulch. First, fill your grey yard cart. Once the cart is full, use yard waste bags. Only use paper yard waste bags as material in plastic bags will be taken to the landfill.
Yard waste bags may be picked up by a different crew than those servicing carts. Crews will collect daily until 5:30 p.m. except on Halloween when they will quit at 5 p.m. Missed yard waste will be collected the next makeup day (Wednesday or Saturday). Do not contact LexCall regarding missed service until after 5:30 p.m. on your scheduled service day.
If you don’t have a grey cart or need a new one, call LexCall at 311 or submit a request online.
3. Bring the leaves to the City mulching facility. Through December 2023, Fayette County residents can take yard waste to the Haley Pike Waste Management Facility (HPWMF) for free. Proof of residency is required. The facility, located at 4216 Hedger Lane, is open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. HPWMF is closed on Wednesdays.
The City has a limited supply of free leaf chutes available to help funnel leaves into your cart or yard bags. There is a limit of one chute per household. While supplies last, you can pick up a leaf chute from:
- The City’s Electronics Recycling Center, 1306 Versailles Road
- The Lexington Senior Center, 195 Life Lane
- Johns Run/Walk Shop - Palomar, 3735 Palomar Centre
Never dispose of leaves or other yard waste by putting them in the street. That can clog storm drains and cause flooding. It can also overwhelm local creeks with nutrients, causing water quality issues.
