The City of Murfreesboro's Fall Leaf Collection begins Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, and runs through Jan. 31, 2027. During that peak season, city residents may place loose leaves and grass clippings curbside for pickup, and the city describes the service as free.
The rest of the year, the city's Solid Waste Ordinance requires yard trimmings set out for curbside pickup to be bagged in biodegradable paper bags. The fall window is the exception, which is why how and where residents rake their piles makes a difference to the crews.
When does Murfreesboro leaf pickup start and end?
Collection starts Oct. 12, 2026, and continues through Jan. 31, 2027. The city says the heaviest volume of leaves typically comes before the Christmas holiday, and crews will continue collecting through the end of January 2027 as needed.
How should leaves be placed at the curb?
The city's guidance for residents covers placement, pile size and what to keep out of the leaves:
- Rake leaves curbside so leaf vacuums can reach them. The city's checklist says not to place leaves more than five feet from the curb or shoulder.
- Do not put leaves in the street. The city says that causes traffic hazards and drainage problems.
- Rake leaves into windrows no more than two feet deep.
- Do not block storm drain inlets or clog storm sewers.
- Consolidate debris into one pile instead of several smaller piles.
- Keep loose leaves separate from brush, limbs and other yard debris.
- Do not mix tree limbs, stumps, metal, lumber or other debris with leaves. The city says that can injure employees or damage the vacuum equipment.
- If bagging, use only biodegradable paper bags.
Storm drains are a particular concern. The city says leaves that cover or clog storm sewers can hamper the system's ability to carry stormwater and can hurt water quality in local streams and rivers.
Rules for brush and limbs
Brush and limbs are picked up separately from the leaf vacuums, and the city lists a few rules for those piles:
- Place tree limbs and brush parallel to the street.
- Do not put out brush longer than 10 feet.
- Keep brush piles clear of low-hanging power and cable lines so the truck's boom has room to work.
- Avoid parking near the brush pile during daylight hours when crews are working.
Who picks up leaves in Murfreesboro?
Each fall, the Public Works Department combines staff and equipment from the Street and Solid Waste departments to cover the city faster.
"The goal is to efficiently and effectively cover the City twice as fast by working as one team," Street Director Tracy Brown said in the city's announcement. Brown said the Street Department serves areas north and east of Broad Street, while the Solid Waste Department serves the south and west sides of the city.
The Street Department runs vacuum trucks staffed by a dozen or more crew members. The Solid Waste Department runs boom trucks with a driver and a crew member.
Where do the leaves go?
Collected leaves are hauled to the city's Yard Waste Collection and Mulching Facility at 4765 Florence Road. Residents who would rather drop off grass clippings, limbs and brush themselves can use the facility, which the city says is normally open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fall around Murfreesboro
Leaf season lines up with a busy stretch of the local calendar. OnlyInMurfreesboro's things to do in October roundup and fall festivals guide cover weekend plans, and the Murfreesboro weather page tracks when the cooler days arrive. Residents new to town can find more city basics in the moving to Murfreesboro guide and the Murfreesboro neighborhoods guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is leaf pickup in Murfreesboro in 2026?
The City of Murfreesboro's Fall Leaf Collection runs from Oct. 12, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2027.
Does Murfreesboro charge for leaf pickup?
No. The city describes Fall Leaf Collection as a free service during the collection season.
Do I have to bag leaves in Murfreesboro?
Not during the Oct. 12 to Jan. 31 collection season, when loose leaves and grass clippings may go curbside. Residents who choose to bag must use biodegradable paper bags; plastic bags are not accepted.
How far from the street should leaf piles be?
The city's checklist says leaves should be no more than five feet from the curb or shoulder, in windrows no more than two feet deep, and never in the street itself or over a storm drain.
Can I put branches in my leaf pile?
No. Keep limbs, stumps and other debris out of leaf piles. Brush goes in a separate pile, parallel to the street and no longer than 10 feet.
Who do I call about Murfreesboro leaf collection?
The city lists Solid Waste Director Russell Gossett at 615-893-3681 and Street Director Tracy Brown at 615-893-4380.
Sources: City of Murfreesboro: Public Works annual Fall Leaf Collection begins Oct. 12, City of Murfreesboro: Annual Fall Leaf Collection.
*Illustration: AI-generated image; not an actual Murfreesboro street.*