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City outlines leaf-collection schedule, says Lexington will run four passes starting Oct. 28
Summary
City staff described Lexington’s leaf-collection plan, saying the city begins loose-leaf collection Oct. 28 with four passes citywide and compared Lexington’s service levels with nearby Triad cities; staff emphasized operational limits and options for residents between passes.
Lexington — City staff presented details of Lexington’s annual loose-leaf collection on Oct. 28, saying the 2024 program began Oct. 28 and will include four passes through neighborhoods. Mike Horney, the city’s leaf-collection lead, compared Lexington’s approach to neighboring Triad municipalities, saying only Salisbury conducts more passes (about five) while several nearby cities start later or require bagged leaves.
Horney described operational constraints that shape the schedule: street and maintenance crews also prepare snow equipment and handle asphalt/concrete work and festival barricade set-up in October, which affects staff availability. He said the city’s practice is to start the day after the barbecue festival to balance seasonal workloads and to allow leaf volumes to build sufficiently for efficient truck routing.
Council members asked whether residents might perceive service reductions because Lexington runs four passes rather than five; Horney and another staffer said previous schedules were less predictable and the current approach provides clearer routing and more reliable expectations. Staff advised residents with large piles that automated (big-pile) pick-ups are appropriate during leaf season and that weekly yard-waste collection (95-gallon containers) remains available between the monthly loose-leaf passes.
Council discussion included neighborhood sequencing (first pass covers Brown Street, Old Linwood Road and Quail Road areas) and an acknowledgement that an early leaf fall can lengthen the first pass. Staff asked the council to publicize the schedule so residents know when to place leaves at the curb. No policy changes or budget decisions were proposed during the presentation.
