This story was adapted from a City of Kannapolis news release.
As autumn leaves begin piling up across Kannapolis, residents will soon be able to dispose of them without having to bag them.
The City of Kannapolis will begin its annual loose leaf collection season Monday, Nov. 2, allowing residents to place unbagged leaves along the curb for pickup by city crews using specialized vacuum trucks.
The collection season will continue through Jan. 15, 2027, giving residents more than two months to take advantage of the service.
Until the program begins, residents must continue bagging their leaves for regular yard waste collection. The city also asks residents to resume bagging any remaining leaves after the collection season ends.
Loose leaf collection guidelines
To help ensure collections run smoothly, the city is reminding residents to follow several guidelines.
Leaves must be placed at the curb or along the ditch line, but not inside drainage ditches. Piles should be arranged in rows parallel to the street and ready for collection by 7 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day.
The city also reminds residents to:
Keep leaf piles free of tree limbs, other yard waste, sweetgum balls, gravel, glass and other debris. Leaves mixed with these materials will not be collected.
Avoid placing loose leaves in garbage containers, which will not be emptied as part of the program.
Keep leaves away from water meters and fences, and place them on the street side of retaining walls.
Make sure leaf piles do not obstruct sidewalks or streets.
Keep vehicles and other objects away from leaf piles so vacuum trucks can reach them. Leaves will not be collected if access is blocked.
Collection schedules and holiday changes
Residents can find their assigned loose leaf collection dates by visiting kannapolisnc.gov/looseleaf or downloading the city’s free CARTology app, available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The city will suspend loose leaf collection on several holidays during the season, including:
Veterans Day: Nov. 11
Thanksgiving: Nov. 26-27
Christmas: Dec. 23-25
New Year’s Day: Jan. 1
Residents are encouraged to check their collection schedules and make sure their leaves are properly placed at the curb before crews arrive.
For additional information, visit kannapolisnc.gov/looseleaf.