Why DPU Cares About Leaf Collection

Last year, the Department of Public Utilities contributed $625,000 to the city’s General Fund for leaf collection. So, why is the Department of Public Utilities concerned about leaf collection? It’s simple, really. When city residents don’t rake and bag their leaves, they have the potential to end up in the sewer system.

Each year, beginning in the fall, the Department of Public Works sweeps and cleans an estimated 22,000 lane miles of streets to keep debris and leaves from clogging the stormwater system. Due to the type of equipment used, only streets with curbs and gutters are routinely swept.

In 2016, 13,521 tons of leaves and debris were collected and accounted for in the annual report the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities provides to the Department of Environmental Quality.

This is especially important in the Combined Sewer System area of the city, which is the oldest part of the city primarily north of the James River. A Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) occurs after a heavy rain when there is too much water entering the storm basins and the excess water is released into a stream or river. In Richmond, the major overflow points are found on the banks of the James River and Gillies Creek.

There are 29 CSO outfalls located at various points along the James River and within the city’s CSO area.

Leaves clogging the storm drains would create localized flooding and prevent sewage from draining to the CSO outfalls. The proper bagging and disposal of leaves and regular street cleaning schedules play an important role each fall and winter season in the prevention of flooding during heavy rain events.

This year the Department of Public Works has made it easier for residents to dispose of leaves:

1 – Place leaves in bio-degradable bags by your supercan and DPW will pick up to 10 bags on trash day until they are gone

2 – Place bagged leaves out by the published dates and an unlimited number of bagged leaves will be picked up through the end of the corresponding schedule

3 – Pay $30 for vacuum service. Make the request by calling 646-LEAF.

For more information visit http://www.richmondgov.com/PublicWorks/Leafcollection.aspx, email LeafProgram@Richmondgov.com or call 646-LEAF.