Properly dispose of your leaf and yard waste

Summer is in full swing, and leaf and yard waste collection will continue for the rest of the season. Before you set your waste out, it’s important to remember what yard waste will be accepted on collection day.

Here’s what you can set out for leaf and yard waste collection:

• branches (maximum 1.5 metres long)

• leaves

• flowers and plants

• seasonal decor including pumpkins, straw and cornstalks 

• shrubs

• twigs

• vegetable garden waste

• weeds

The following items will not be accepted as leaf and yard waste:

• stumps and root balls
• soil, rocks or stones

Before you place materials at the curb, make sure you’re up to date on the City’s collection day tips:

• Materials should be placed at the curb no later than 7 a.m. on your collection day. Collection times may vary.
• Leaf and yard waste must be placed out in Kraft paper bags or open-top rigid containers with handles of up to 121 litres (32 gallons) in size and clearly marked “Leaf and Yard Waste.” Plastic bags are not permitted.
• Branches must be tied with string (no wire) in secure bundles maximum 1.5 metres (five feet) in length and 0.6 metres (two feet) in diameter.
• 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, such as strong winds or heavy rain – wait until the morning to place your materials out.
• 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. 

Try composting!

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. This process is referred to as grasscycling and may improve the health of your lawn!

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

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