Who is eligible?

We collect yard waste from single-family homes, legal duplexes, eligible townhouse units, and small apartment buildings (6 units or less) every second week (the opposite week from garbage). Check your eligibility, collection day and services. Apartment buildings of 7 units or more, and most townhouse/condominium complexes do not receive curbside collection from us. Still not sure if your property is eligible? Please contact our Call Centre at 519-575-4400, available 24 hours a day, every day. Ask the Waste Whiz! Search

Approved collection containers

Paper yard waste bag (available for purchase at local grocery and hardware stores). Reusable approved-size garbage can. Please tie a bright ribbon onto the handle, or adhere a yard waste sticker on the side. (Order free yard waste stickers online.) Branches having a maximum thickness (diameter) of 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) can be collected if tied into bundles with jute or cotton twine. For each bundle, the maximum size allowed is 92 centimetres (3 feet). The maximum weight of each yard waste paper bag, reusable can, and bundle is 23 kilograms (50 pounds). Yard waste set out in plastic bags, blue boxes, green bins, pails, or cardboard boxes will not be collected during the seasonal collection period.

What goes in?

Branches, twigs, and pruning from bushes and hedges that are less than 92 centimetres (3 feet) in length and 8 centimetres (3 inches) in diameter. (Must be bundled with jute or cotton twine.)

Fallen fruit from trees, pine cones

Leaves

Plants, weeds

Lawn and garden trimmings

Jack o-lanterns, pumpkins (Remove candles and decorations, and place beside yard waste bags/containers.) Reminder: If you use paper yard waste bags, each paper yard waste bag must be strong enough to hold its contents at collection. Do not overfill or add soil/sod/edgings. Keep the paper bags out of wet conditions. Wondering if an item is accepted in our Yard Waste program? Ask the Waste Whiz!

What stays out?

Branches that exceed 92 centimetres (3 feet) in length and 8 centimetres (3 inches) in diameter

Unbundled and untied branches

Animal or pet waste

Concrete

Kitchen waste

Garbage and litter

Nails

Pallets

Plastic

Sod

Soil

Stones, rocks, gravel

Stumps

Treated lumber or wood products Wondering how to dispose of an item? Ask the Waste Whiz!

Collection schedule and rules

Collection is every second week (opposite from garbage week), spring to fall. To find your schedule look up your collection day.

Set out at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day.

Keep it visible and accessible for collection crews (not behind a parked car, etc.).

Prepare it properly. For example, bundle branches with jute or cotton string. Do not use wire, tape or plastic cord.

Maximum weight for each bag, bundle or can is 23 kilograms (50 pounds).

Each container must be able to support its contents.

Branches greater than 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) in diameter, or stumps of any size cannot be collected curbside.

Yard waste will not be collected in plastic bags, blue boxes, green bins or cardboard boxes.

What are other options for dealing with yard waste?

Tips and FAQs (frequently asked questions)