Set-out requirements

Container type

Acceptable containers 

• Kraft paper bags designed for leaf and yard waste material 
• designated open-top rigid containers such as a regulation sized garbage containers marked 'Leaf and Yard Waste'  

Unacceptable containers

• plastic bags 
• cardboard boxes 
• oversized rigid containers 
• green bins 
• recycling blue boxes
• rigid containers with lids 

Weight and size limits

• The total weight of one container or Kraft paper bag and contents and/or individual bundles must not exceed 20.5 kilograms or 45 pounds. 
• Bundles cannot exceed 1.5 metres (five feet) in length and 0.6 metres (two feet) in diameter.
• Individual branches cannot exceed 10 centimetres. (four inches) in diameter (bundled securely). 

Acceptable leaf and yard waste materials

• grass, plant material (soil removed), leaves, branches, twigs, pumpkins, and cornstalks
• any container or bundle weighing less than 20.5 kilograms (45 pounds)
• branches, twigs and cuttings that are tied in secure bundles and less than 1.5 metres (five feet) in length and 0.6 metres (two feet) in diameter
• individual branches that are less than 10 centimetres (four inches) in diameter (bundled securely)

Unacceptable leaf and yard waste materials

• any leaf and yard waste material set out in a container other than an acceptable container
• any container or bundle weighing more than 20.5 kilograms (45 pounds)
• branches, twigs and cuttings that are not tied and not in secure bundles and not longer than 1.5 metres (five feet) and 0.6 metres (two feet) in diameter 
• individual branches exceeding 10 centimetres (four inches) in diameter
• stumps and root balls
• any leaf and yard waste material contaminated with household waste or non-leaf and yard waste such as green bin organics
• any set out that contains sod, soil, rocks or stones (contact York Region for rock and stone disposal options)

Placement of materials

• Ensure identification by the City by clearly separating each waste item (leaf and yard, recycling, garbage, etc.).
• Place your collectible waste materials at the curb for collection (on or beside your driveway). Do not place collectible materials on the road, as it may pose a hazard to traffic.  
• Keep waste materials separate from your neighbours.  
• Ensure waste is properly set out in the winter months.