Concord Has Eliminated Bagged Leaf Collection
The city will no longer pick up bagged leaves, shifting to a curb-only collection method to save on budget costs.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in City Hall
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The city of Concord has officially eliminated bagged leaf collection for the upcoming fall 2026 and spring 2027 seasons. Residents are now required to rake loose leaves to the curb for pickup by city crews using trackless loaders.
Why it matters
The city moved to discontinue the bagged leaf pickup service to address municipal budget constraints. This policy shift is projected to save the city $100,000 as it seeks to streamline operations for the annual leaf collection cycle.
The city typically collects at least 1,200 tons of leaves each autumn. This change is expected to yield $100,000 in savings, though the impact on wait times remains to be determined.
The players
Concord
This is the capital city of New Hampshire and the municipality responsible for managing residential waste and leaf collection services.
Fort Eddy Road Reprocessing Center
This facility serves as the designated location for residents to drop off organic waste and leaves outside of the city's curbside collection program.
The details
City crews will utilize trackless leaf loaders to scrape loose leaves from the curb and blow them into trucks for transport. While curbside pickup is mandatory for those utilizing city services, residents may also transport their leaves to the Fort Eddy Road Reprocessing Center for free disposal.
Timeline
Bagged leaf pickup first began in 2018.
The city adopted the trackless leaf loader system in 2021.
The 2026 leaf collection season begins on October 26, 2026.
Bagged collection will not occur during the spring 2027 season.
Political Context
Opponents of the move may argue that the loss of convenience for residents creates an undue burden compared to previous service levels. Meanwhile, city officials point to the fiscal necessity of reducing labor-intensive tasks like bagged collection to preserve other essential services.
Residents must stop bagging their leaves and instead rake them loose to the curb to ensure collection by city crews. Those who prefer not to use the curbside service may continue to drop off leaves at the Fort Eddy Road Reprocessing Center free of charge.
The takeaway
The end of bagged leaf collection reflects a broader trend of municipalities trimming secondary services to meet budget goals. Residents should prepare for the autumn season by adjusting their yard waste management to comply with the new loose-leaf curb requirements.
Further reading
For more information on local service updates, visit the City Hall section.
More information
Find complete details on the new collection requirements on the city leaf collection information page.
Live Poll
Do you support prioritizing municipal budget savings over the convenience of curbside leaf pickup services?
