As a resident of Chapel Hill, NC, I find myself frustrated with the new town council policy that bans loose leaf collection. Previously, our community had the convenience of raking leaves to the curb where the town would collect them, making yard maintenance manageable and efficient. This new policy requires us to place leaves in containers—a tedious and time-consuming process that significantly disrupts the simplicity of our autumn routine.

For many residents, the change poses a major challenge. Not only does purchasing the containers add an unnecessary cost, but the manual effort required to gather and bag large quantities of leaves each fall can be overwhelming, especially for seniors and those with physical constraints. When leaves are removed from the ground promptly, it helps prevent accidents, pest infestations, and contributes to the community's cleanliness.

Revoking the ban would alleviate these extra burdens and restore a system that was previously successful and widely accepted. According to a survey conducted by local resident groups in 2022, over 75% of Chapel Hill residents preferred the previous method of leaf collection due to its simplicity and environmental benefits.

Moreover, loose leaf collection is environmentally friendly. The town council's decision, therefore, not only affects us on a personal level but also impacts local environmental sustainability efforts. Many neighborhoods have relied on this system for years, proving that it works effectively for urban and suburban settings alike. Also, the town requires us to use containers with tight-fitting lids or paper bags that we can buy at Lowes (for $2.50 for five) costing us more.

I support the leave your leaves program, but there are certain places that need to be clean of leaves, such as driveways. I support the town in limiting pickup of loose leaves to driveway leaves.

I urge the Chapel Hill town council to reconsider and reverse this policy. We need a more practical and environmentally considerate approach that best serves the needs of its residents.

Please sign this petition to show your support for reversing the leaf collection policy and help maintain the ease and tradition of our community's yard care. Together, we can take a stand for a more convenient and sustainable solution.