Murfreesboro's free curbside leaf vacuum service runs through Jan. 31. Rake loose leaves to the curb, never into the street, and keep limbs out of the pile.

Murfreesboro’s free fall leaf collection is underway. City vacuum crews will pick up leaves at the curb through Jan. 31, 2027.

The city set out how it wants leaves left out in a release on its fall leaf collection. The service is free for city residents during the season.

How to put your leaves out

The city’s guidelines are:

  • rake leaves to the curb, no more than five feet from the curb or shoulder
  • keep piles in rows no deeper than two feet
  • never rake leaves into the street, where they cause traffic hazards and drainage problems
  • keep leaves off storm drain inlets
  • keep tree limbs, stumps, metal, lumber and other debris out of the pile

Debris mixed in with leaves can injure city workers and damage the vacuum units, the city said. It also slows collection.

If you prefer to bag your leaves, use biodegradable paper bags only. The city said grocery and hardware stores sell them. Plastic bags are not accepted.

Keep loose leaves in a separate pile from brush, limbs and other yard waste. Brush and limbs go out as a normal yard waste pickup, parallel to the street, with no piece longer than 6 feet or thicker than 8 inches.

When crews come

The busiest part of the season usually ends before Christmas, the city said. Crews keep picking up bagged leaves through January.

The city’s general goal for curbside yard waste is to circle the city every 14 days, according to its yard waste page. It has not published a street-by-street leaf schedule.

Collected leaves are trucked to the city’s mulch site on Florence Road.

What it means for you

Leaves left in the street or over a storm drain can back up water when it rains. Raking them to the curb, not over it, keeps the drains clear and lets the vacuum reach the pile.

If you want to haul your own yard waste instead, the city’s Yard Waste Collection and Mulching Facility on Florence Road normally takes drop-offs from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Loose grass clippings are a different matter. The city charges a $10 fee each time it collects loose grass, so bag clippings in the same paper yard waste bags.

For your regular trash and recycling day, see our Murfreesboro trash and recycling guide.

Who to call

  • Solid Waste Department: 615-893-3681, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Public Works: 615-893-4380

The city also posted a short video on the leaf collection program.