Leaf collecting in Nashville: Your yard waste cheat sheet

Raking in the leaves? Here’s how to bag and bundle them the Metro-approved way.

A park area featuring a large tree with yellow and orange leaves and a few more tree off to the right side with hues of yellow and green.

Fall leaves are gorgeous, but they gotta go somewhere. | Photo by NASHtoday

They don’t call it “fall” for nothing. Here’s what to do with all those leaves piling up.

Metro collects yard waste — brush, leaves, and grass clippings — four times a year at each residence. The city divides pickups into 12 routes, and collection can take one to three weeks once your route begins. Use the Nashville Waste Wizard to find your area’s next pickup date.

The rules

  • Place leaves and grass in biodegradable paper bags only.
  • Set brush piles at the curb so the truck’s arm can reach them.
  • Keep yard waste away from mailboxes, trees, and utility poles.
  • Follow size limits for brush.
  • Don’t sweep or blow yard debris into streets, sidewalks, or bike lanes.
  • Avoid mixing in lumber, trash, or oversized branches.

Residents needing a drop-off option can take yard waste to Living Earth’s Elm Hill Pike or Centennial Boulevard locations.

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