No Curbside Leaf Pickup in Brattleboro for Fall 2025, Explore Eco-Friendly Alternatives
The Town of Brattleboro will not be offering curbside leaf collection during the fall 2025 season. The program was discontinued during the fiscal year 2026 budget development process. While curbside collection will no longer be available, the Town encourages the community to explore alternative, environmentally friendly methods for managing their fall leaves.
The information below draws on guidance from the University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Community Horticulture programs, the Windham Solid Waste Management District, and Brattleboro's Sustainability Coordinator.
Make Mulch — Rather than raking and removing your leaves, you can pass over them with your lawnmower using the mulch setting to return nutrients to your lawn soils. This option works best with a lighter layer of leaves. If a thick layer of leaves has piled up on your lawn, mow the area multiple times and scatter the mulch across your lawn so that light can pass through.
Plant Protection — Leaf mulch can provide weed control, while helping your lawn retain moisture and nutrients. Spread shredded leaves around trees and shrubs or between rows of garden beds. Apply a 3-to-6-inch layer of shredded leaves around the base of trees and shrubs. Be sure to leave some space around the trunk. In annual and perennial flower beds, a 2-to-3-inch mulch of shredded leaves is ideal. In vegetable gardens, lay down a thick layer of leaves between rows to create an all-weather walkway.
Compost — If you have a backyard compost system, keep leaves handy to add carbon to your compost. Shredded and slightly damp leaves work best. Alternate layers of food scraps (high in nitrogen) with tree leaves (high in carbon) to provide a great composting recipe. Leaves can also help minimize odors that attract unwanted animals. Typically, you want to aim for 1 part food scraps to 2-3 parts leaves.
Leaf Mold — Leaf mold is a slower composting practice in which leaves (preferably shredded, but whole leaves will work) are stored in a bin, a simple structure made from chicken wire, or a garbage bag. Ensure the container has drainage as you will need to moisten the leaves. If you’re using a garbage bag, be sure to poke holes around the bottom of the bag. The container should be kept in a cool, damp place away from direct sunlight. It will take 6-12 months for the leaves to break down.
Share — Don’t have a green thumb? Contribute to your neighbor’s compost pile or contact a local farmer who might be interested in your leaves. Your trash can be their treasure!
Transfer Station — Compost leaves at the Windham Solid Waste Management District (WSWMD), located at 327 Old Ferry Road in Brattleboro. Here are some helpful tips if you plan to bring your leaves to WSWMD:
- Leaves are accepted during regular business hours
- Visit the weigh station before offloading leaves
- It’s free to drop off leaves
- No access sticker is required for leaf disposal
- No plastic bags or barrels are accepted
- Composting in paper bags or certified compostable bags is okay — just be sure to look for the symbol on the certified compostable bag
- Compost clean leaves only
- Large branches or logs are not accepted
Windham Solid Waste processes compost on site from residential and commercial food scraps, leaves, wood chips, and grass clippings. Compost is available to purchase spring through fall on-site. Your leaves can help your neighbor’s garden grow!
Resources
To learn more about the Windham Solid Waste Management District, visit windhamsolidwaste.org.
Need gardening advice? Call the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline at 802-656-5421. The helpline is open to Vermont residents from April through October on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Use your Brooks Memorial Library card to borrow garden equipment from the Field to Fork Tool Cottage. Learn more by visiting brookslibraryvt.org.
For more information about Brattleboro’s sustainability efforts, visit Brattleboro.gov/sustainability.