Rocky Mount Public Works Department will begin collecting loose leaves left on the curb starting Oct. 29.

Reisdents can rake leaves and pine straw into piles behind the curb or onto the shoulder of the road. Loose leaf collection ends Dec. 21.

Residents should have the piles ready on the Monday morning of their collection week. Crews will alternate from the north side of town to the south side of town every week. Crews will start on the north side of town on Oct. 29.

Loose leaf piles must be free of trash, sticks, limbs, bottles, cans and other debris since the leaves and pine straw will be processe into clean mulch and compost. Piles with debris in them will not be collected.