The second round of Leaf Vacuum Season will begin on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. If you would like your leaves collected during this round, please rake them three to five feet from the edge of the road. DO NOT PLACE LEAVES IN THE ROAD, IN DRAINAGE DITCHES, OR ON SIDEWALK. Doing so creates hazards for motorists and pedestrians, and risks clogging up storm drains that could result in flooding. In areas where there are sidewalks, leaves should be placed behind the sidewalk and leaf crews will pick them up. Also, DO NOT PLACE LEAVES ON OR AROUND OBSTACLES such as mailboxes, trees, fences, poles, yard decorations, water meter lids, and vehicles. Leaf piles around or behind obstacles will not be picked up by the leaf crews, as the leaf vacuum may potentially damage the obstruction or the equipment.

For information on which zone the leaf crews are currently working, or to find out your zone, please call 423-744-2745 or visit Public Works Information – City of Athens for more information. To view the leaf season map visit this link Leaf Season.

For faster service, you are encouraged to bag your leaves and the Public Works Department will collect them on the regular junk route. You can also mulch your leaves by running your lawn mower over them. This will improve your lawn by adding organic material. Another option is composting your leaves for use in flowerbeds and gardens. If you have any further questions about leaf season, please call the Athens Public Works Department at 423-744-2745.

For more information, please contact the Office of the Public Works Department at 423-744-2745.