Hickory NC (WHKY) – Curbside leaf collection in Hickory will begin Monday, November 9, and continue through Friday, January 15, 2027. The City of Hickory says each collection area will receive 2 rounds of service during the season.

Residents should wait until the program begins before raking leaves to the curb. Until then, leaves can be placed in reusable yard waste bags, 32-gallon containers labeled “Yard Waste,” or clear plastic bags for pickup on regular garbage days.

The collection schedule is:

• Northwest A: November 9–13 and December 14–18, 2026.
• Northwest B: November 16–20 and December 21–25, 2026.
• Southeast and Southwest: November 23–27, 2026, and December 28, 2026–January 1, 2027.
• Northeast: November 30–December 11, 2026, and January 4–15, 2027.

Northwest A covers the area from the western city limits to North Center Street, north of the Norfolk Southern Railroad and south of 12th Avenue NW, 6th Street NW and 16th Avenue NW. Northwest B covers the area north of those streets and west of North Center Street.

Residents can identify their collection area and check scheduled pickup dates using the interactive map at www.hickorync.gov/leaf-collection. Weather or staffing limitations may delay service, and the city will provide updates if the schedule changes.

Leaves should be at the curb by the first day of an area’s scheduled collection. Residents should keep leaves out of streets and away from storm drains, and avoid mixing them with trash, sticks, rocks or other debris. Mixed piles can damage equipment, delay pickup and result in extra fees. Drivers should use caution around crews and never park on leaf piles because hot vehicle parts can start fires.

Hickory Public Works collected more than 8 million pounds of leaves from residential and commercial areas last season. Leaves and yard waste in approved containers are also collected year-round on regular garbage days.

Clear plastic bags are available for purchase at City Hall, 76 North Center Street, and the Public Services Complex, 1441 Ninth Avenue NE. Special leaf collection is available for a nominal fee. For information, call 828-323-7500.