In Washington, the hot button issues are the Epstein files, the military attacks on Venezuelan boats and using National Guard troops to police American cities.

 In Greensboro, the thing that really gets residents worked up is leaf and yard waste collection.  Well, this week, now that leaves are falling very freely from the trees, the city has issued a press release reminding people to dispose of leaves and other items in the very particular way city officials want it done.

The City of Greensboro – which is by the way using truck-mounted AI-powered cameras to see if you’re recycling correctly – is once again reminding residents about the yard waste collection rules that went into effect last year.  They are aimed at keeping neighborhoods clean, preventing clogged storm drains and making sure fall leaves don’t sit around until spring.

Under those guidelines established in 2024, residents should put their leaves, grass clippings and branches in the standard 95-gallon gray yard waste cart.

Any extra leaves should be placed in biodegradable paper yard waste bags or tied into bundles with natural twine. Each household can set out up to 10 bags or bundles a week for most of the year; however, from November through February, crews will pick up as many as 15.

 Yard waste is collected weekly on regular trash collection days, and state law requires that it be kept separate from trash and recycling.

City officials continue to emphasize what they call an “education-first” approach as crews work with residents adapting to the newer requirements. Most homeowners have been following the rules, they say, but violations still lead to enforcement. When a resident places loose leaves or piles in the street or right-of-way, the City issues a warning and gives people 14 days to correct the problem.

During those 14 days, no new piles may be placed at the curb. When crews return, if someone has been naughty and leaves are still present – whether it’s the original pile or a new one – a $75 fine is issued.

If the pile remains after another two weeks, it becomes a nuisance violation and the fine increases to $500.

Residents who consistently fill their cart can buy a second gray container for $65 by calling the City’s Contact Center at 336-373-2489.

After filling the cart or carts, up to 15 biodegradable paper bags can be placed along the curb line from November through February.

After winter, weekly pickup continues, but the limit returns to 10. Plastic bags aren’t accepted under any circumstances. Paper bags must weigh less than 50 pounds when full, and City testing has shown that they withstand about a week of rainy conditions. Standard grocery-store paper bags can also be used, though they hold much less and don’t tolerate moisture as well.

Branches placed in the gray cart must fit with the lid closed – and long limbs sticking out of the container may result in a service denial. Bundled sticks must be tied naturally, no more than five feet long, and under 50 pounds.  The “naturally” part means it must be tied with biodegradable twine or rope.

Also, the sticks in the bundle must all be less than 10 inches in diameter.

The City also reminds residents that yard waste carts, paper bags, and bundles need to be at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day, can be placed out as early as the day before, and must be removed by 7 a.m. the day after pickup under the Trash & Recycling Cart Rollback Program.  Though the Rhino Times has often Wildy disobeyed those rules and has not paid a price for it.

For residents who prefer a more natural approach, the City encourages two alternatives: leaving the leaves in place, which provides habitat for small wildlife, or composting leaves at home.

Holiday collection rules are part of the same system. Christmas trees are considered yard waste and are picked up on regular trash days. All lights, ornaments, tinsel, and tree stands must be removed before the tree is set out. Trees taller than five feet should be cut in half before collection. The City recommends placing trees at the curb by 7 a.m. To receive notifications about holiday pickup and schedule changes, residents can download the GSO Collects app or use the City’s online tool.

Paper yard waste bags can be purchased online, at most big-box retailers and at local lawn and garden stores. The bags should be fully biodegradable. The City won’t accept biodegradable plastic bags – even those labeled as compostable.

From March through October, residents may set out 10 bags or bundles a week, or any combination of the two that totals 10. Between November and February, the weekly limit increases to 15. Items containing soil, including potting soil, cannot be placed in the gray cart or in bags.

For full details about all things yardwaste, the City directs residents to its yard waste page at www.greensboro-nc.gov/yardwaste.

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