Leaf season 2026: Raleigh stopped loose-leaf pickup. Here's what to do in Raleigh, Cary and Apex

The leaves are just starting to turn on my street in Cary, which means the annual raking ritual is close. This year it comes with a twist for a lot of my Raleigh neighbors. If you've always raked everything to the curb and waited for the big truck, read this before you start.

What changed in Raleigh?

Raleigh replaced its seasonal loose-leaf collection with weekly yard waste pickup starting September 8, 2026. The city says the change keeps streets, bike lanes, sidewalks and storm drains cleaner. Your collection day did not change.

Here's how Raleigh leaves get picked up now:

• Yard waste cart: leaves go in your cart along with grass clippings and small trimmings. No need to separate them.
• Paper bags for the overflow: up to 15 paper yard waste bags next to your cart, plus up to 5 bundles of sticks or twigs. Plastic bags are a no.
• Need another cart? Order one online through the city or call 919-996-3245.
• Skip the curb entirely: mulch leaves into the lawn with your mower, rake them into garden beds, or compost them.

If you see a big pile at the curb on your street in November, a friendly heads-up to your neighbor might save them a long wait.

How does leaf collection work in Cary?

Cary still runs its annual town-wide loose-leaf vacuum collection. It usually starts in early November (last season it began November 3). Crews make passes through each neighborhood, and the season wraps with a final sweep in January.

A few Cary rules that keep your pile on the list:

• Keep piles off sidewalks, and clear of storm drains, water meters, fire hydrants and sewer clean-outs.
• Leave a safe distance from mailboxes and parked cars.
• Leaves only: no trash, rocks or branches mixed in.
• Track the trucks on the leaf map at carync.gov/leaves or in the Cary Collects app.

Prefer not to wait? Leaves in brown paper bags or reusable containers go out with your weekly yard waste. You can also drop yard waste off free year-round at the Citizens' Convenience Center, 313 N. Dixon Avenue. Last season, after the final sweep, Cary offered free on-request pickup through Cary 311 from February 9 to March 31.

How does leaf collection work in Apex?

Apex also vacuums loose leaves from the curb. Its loose-leaf season runs November through February, and pickup happens weekly on the business day after your garbage and recycling day.

The Apex rules are a little different:

• Don't bag leaves, and don't put them in your trash cart. Rake them loose to the curb.
• Keep leaves separate from sticks and branches.
• Keep piles at least 10 feet from storm drains, and don't park on or in front of them.
• Don't put leaves out more than 48 hours before collection.
• Questions: Apex Customer Service at (919) 362-8676.

What about Durham, Holly Springs and other towns?

Every town handles leaves a little differently, and the rules change more often than you'd think (see: Raleigh). Before you rake, check your town's solid waste page or call its customer service line. Five minutes now beats a soggy pile sitting at the curb until January.

When is the first frost in the Triangle?

Raleigh's average first frost lands between October 19 and 26, according to the NC State Climate Office. The first hard freeze usually follows one to two weeks later. In other words, it's time to get the house ready.

My pre-winter checklist for Triangle homes

These are the same quick items I point my buyers to after closing. Most take less than an hour.

1. Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots before the first freeze.
2. Test the heat before you actually need it, and swap the HVAC filter.
3. Clean the gutters after the leaves drop, not before. One cleaning in late November or December catches most of it.
4. Mulch leaves into the lawn instead of hauling them. It feeds fescue lawns and saves a trip to the curb.
5. Book a chimney sweep if you have a wood-burning fireplace and plan to use it.
6. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace the batteries.
7. Check weatherstripping on exterior doors. If you can see daylight around the edges, you're paying to heat the porch.

Sources

• City of Raleigh: Leaf collection options
• WUNC: Leaf pickup in Raleigh has changed
• Town of Cary: Loose-leaf collection news release
• Town of Apex: Yard waste collection
• NC State Climate Office: First frost and freeze climatology

Schedules can change with weather and demand. Always confirm with your town before you rake.

Thinking about a move before spring?

Fall is one of the most underrated times to buy or sell in the Triangle: less competition, motivated sellers, and buyers who are serious. If you're curious what your home is worth right now, or you just want a straight answer on the market, I'm happy to help. Get my home's value or call or text me at (984) 217-5537.

And if a friend or neighbor is thinking about making a move, I'd be grateful for the introduction.

Last updated: October 16, 2026