Leaf and yard waste collection starts in two weeks

Spring is officially here, which means it’s nearly time to start seasonal yard work. And to help you get rid of all those extra materials, the City of Vaughan’s weekly leaf and yard waste collection is back soon! Starting the week of April 16, the City will pick up yard waste materials every week on your regularly scheduled collection day. Biweekly collection will begin the week of June 11. 

What you need to know about leaf and yard waste collection

Ahead of your collection day, make sure to keep the following tips top of mind:

• Place your materials at the curb no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before and no later than 7 a.m. on your collection day. 

• Leaf and yard waste must be placed out in Kraft paper bags or open-top rigid containers with handles, up to 121 litres (32 gallons) in size, and clearly marked “Leaf and Yard Waste.” Plastic bags are not permitted.

• Keep the Kraft paper bags dry – wet or degraded bags cannot be picked up as they will break during collection. If the forecast calls for inclement weather overnight – like strong winds or heavy rain – wait to place your materials out in the morning.

• If you are not using a paper bag, you can place materials in a bin with a yard waste sticker. Stickers are mailed out upon request by calling Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or emailing service@vaughan.ca. They are also available at select community centres while supplies last.

• You can also drop off yard waste at select York Region waste depots – fees apply. The depots accept larger materials, including branches (no larger than 30 centimetres in diameter and 1.8 metres in length), flowers, plants, leaves, shrubs and more. For more information, visit york.ca/WasteDepots.  

• Consider purchasing a backyard composter to turn yard waste materials into compost!

• You can also leave grass clippings on your lawn to decrease the amount of leaf and yard waste placed at the curb for collection.

Why does leaf and yard waste collection start later in April?

The City’s leaf and yard waste weekly collection begins the third week of April each year to help protect native and pollinator-friendly species. You’re encouraged to help protect pollinators by delaying seasonal yard work until later in the spring when temperatures are around 15 C and above. Yard waste and plants shelter butterflies, moths, bees and other pollinating insects in winter. In early spring, these insects still hibernate inside leaves, stems and twigs, and collecting those materials too early might indirectly harm both the pollinators and the environment. 

Understanding and respecting the environmental impacts of leaf and yard waste collection affirms Vaughan’s commitment to environmental stewardship through protection and proactive environmental management. Learn more about pollinators at vaughan.ca/environment.

Visit the City’s leaf and yard waste webpage for more information.

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