Concord residents are encouraged to start raking their leaves to the curb ahead of a one-time loose leaf bulk collection beginning on Halloween.
Leaf collection will continue as weather permits and bagged collection begins in November.
Three Concord General Service crews will spread out through the city, focusing on residential areas within the city’s drainage system but the timeline is dependent on weather and could be stalled due to snow.
Crew one will start at the Bow town line and work north and crew two will start at Blossom Hill cemetery and work north toward Penacook while crew three will start on Mountain Road near Fairview Drive and work south along the east side of the Merrimack River.
“Due to leaf volumes and weather conditions, it’s unknown when crews will reach certain locations,” according to a city news release. “Residents are encouraged to have their leaves ready for collection at the start of the program so as not to miss collection.”
Crews can come to homes only once and will not be able to return to areas they’ve already been with the exception of those near Concord High School whose leaves will be picked up on Veterans Day in coordination with the school’s closure to minimize public disturbance.
To guarantee leaf collection, residents can participate in the city’s bagged collection which begins on Nov. 21.
Pick-up will only be available on Nov. 21, Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 and residents must have their bags on the curb by 7 a.m each morning. Bags cannot include rocks, dog feces, brush or branches but can include pine needles, pine cones and acorns.
Leaves must be placed in biodegradable yard waste bags or in rigid containers labeled for leaves and pick up will not coincide with regular trash days.
If residents miss both bulk and bagged collection, they can bring their leaves to local accepting farms where they’ll be composted for soil or they can be dropped off at Gelinas Excavation & Earth Materials Recycling Center off Fore Eddy Road for free with proof of residency. If disposing of branches, limbs or brush, residents will be required to pay a small fee.
Find more information at www.concordnh.gove/leafcollection, including frequently asked questions, maps of crew routes and completed collection areas.