Greensboro mayor explains loose leaf collection after complaints

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — The City of Greensboro announced a year ago it wouldn’t use the giant vacuum trucks to get leaves curbside anymore, but the reality of the decision didn’t set in until the seasons changed and the leaves started piling up.

The complaints started trickling in on social media and to the city council. Now, they’re at a fever pitch.

Mayor Nancy Vaughan says she’s heard from many people about the situation. Even a second grader during a school visit raised his hand to ask if she would fix the leaf collection. She says the new procedures are the fix.

“It’s about to fit all those leaves in one can, so it’s a little disappointing the city isn’t doing more to pick the leaves up,” said Julie Buchanan, a Greensboro resident. “It was a great bonus, and I feel like we pay enough in tax dollars that it should be covered.”

FOX8 took those concerns to the mayor. Vaughan says the change was in the interest of safety.

“Roads were down to one lane of traffic, kids walking to school, joggers, people with strollers, dog walkers. It really made it very hazardous … Leaving big piles like that in the street is very bad for the stormwater system,” Vaughan said.

This year, the city has picked up almost 200,000 more pounds of leaves than the same time last year using the new system.

“I understand that there are people unhappy with this, and I understand there are people who are very vocal, but there are also people who don’t see this as a critical service for the city of Greensboro,” she said.

Other cities have also cut loose-leaf collections, including Charlotte and Durham.

“We don’t shovel people’s sidewalks. We don’t plant people’s flowers. Why should we pick up leaves that fall on private property?” Vaughan said.

Misinformation about possible fines has also added fuel to the fire. People don’t have to worry about leaves on their street, but dumping all of your leaves in the street would be a problem.

“Nobody is going to get ticketed or fined for leaves that fell organically in the street in front of their house,” Vaughan said.

If you’ve dumped a bunch of leaves in the street, you’re given two weeks to clean them up. If they’re still there after that, you could then get a $75 fine.

“We would love if they would reconsider leaf-pickup,” Buchanan said.

That’s not likely.

The trucks have been sold. Private businesses are offering their services to pick up leaves, and others are choosing to mulch the leaves themselves.

“I think you are going to see cities and towns across the state cut back on loose leaf collection,” Vaughan said.

If you have a physical issue that prevents you from rolling the big bin of leaves out on leaf pickup days, the city will make arrangements to help you just like they do with the trash bins. You can call them at (336) 373-CITY or (336) 373-2489.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.

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