What we collect
We collect grass clippings, garden waste, leaves, and tree trimmings. We accept these materials in paper yard-waste bags only. We do not accept plastic bags, diseased branches, or large tree trunks in curbside collection.
How to prepare your bags
Place yard waste in paper bags. You can buy them at most hardware and grocery stores. Tie the bags closed. Keep each bag under 10 kilograms so it is easy for our crews to lift. Bundle small branches that are no thicker than 2.5 centimetres and no longer than 90 centimetres, and tie them with string. Do not mix in plastic bags, dirt, or garden hoses. We cannot collect items in plastic, and we will leave an orange contamination tag on bags that do not meet our rules.
Collection schedule
Your paper yard-waste bags are collected on a biweekly schedule from April to the end of November. This schedule runs alongside your Green Bin collection day. Place your bags at the curb before 7:00 a.m. on your collection day. Leave one metre of space around your bags and carts so our trucks can pick them up safely. If a statutory holiday falls on your collection day, we will delay pickup by one day. Check the holiday schedule changes for details.
Storing your bags
Keep your bags in a shaded spot on your property between collections. Line the bottom of your bag with newspaper or cardboard to absorb moisture and reduce odours. If your bags freeze to the ground, use a shovel or broom to loosen them before collection day. Do not place bags on top of your carts or in the street.
Where to take extra yard waste
If you have more yard waste than fits in your bags, or if you have large items like tree stumps or diseased branches, you can drop them off at our depots. The East Wrenford Waste Management Facility and the Northgate Drop-off Depot accept yard waste year-round. Please note that under provincial rules, we cannot accept elm leaves or branches from April 1 to August 31. Large tree trunks over 40 centimetres in diameter incur a depot fee.
Fees and by-laws
Curbside yard waste collection is included in your monthly utility charge. Depot drop-off is free for standard bags. Large loads and tree trunks are subject to a weight-based fee. Clean Yards By-law 2019-113 sets the rules for keeping our streets and parks free of clutter.
Need help?
If you have questions about your collection day or need a paper bag, contact our Waste Programs team. Call 519-555-0100 or email [email protected].