Is this worth breaking the no contact? I thought I could just call and ask him nicely If I could come pick these up and then when I go not engage in any triggering conversations.
Based on my experience from just last Thursday, no, it is not worth it. And next to impossible not to engage in the conversation if they initiate one. I just think it's so hard for us to not be affected by them.
I broke my non contact last week (same thing, legitimate reason) just by calling and saying "you clothes will be in your truck at my mom and dad's you can get them anytime after today", and hanging right up. After that, he started calling more than ever...and leaving messages. I took the bait, called back, and have been talking with him ever since (I don't call, he does, but his "feeling sad" has gotten to me and I feel bad for him).
If you can have someone contact him for you, I would go with that route. Or let the leaves wait, they make great mulch :-)