Leaf and yard waste includes leaves, small hedges or tree branches, garden trimmings, dead plants, etc.
There is a Leaf and Yard Waste Curbside Collection programme for urban residents in the County. In addition, there is a Leaf and Yard Waste Drop-off programme at all six County waste facilities available for all residents in the County. Please note, the Drop-off programme runs from Spring through Fall (approximately April through November).
Hold off on your Spring cleanup! Try to hold off on Spring yard and garden cleanup until daytime temperatures consistently reach over 10oC. Many pollinator species, including bees, spend the winter under leaf litter and slowly emerge once the weather gets warmer. By raking your leaves too early, you can disturb these vital species before they get a chance to emerge and begin pollinating.
Leaf and Yard Waste Curbside Collection (urban areas only) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Leaf and yard waste is collected in urban areas only, from April through November. Leaf and yard waste must be set to the curb by 7:00 am on the Monday of the collection weeks noted below. Collection will continue throughout the week until the route is complete. We thank you for your patience. Please see the Leaf and Yard Waste Curbside Collection Schedule below:
Materials must be placed at the curb in any of the following:
Each bag, reusable container, or bundle must not exceed 18.2 kg (40 lb). There is no limit to the number of bags, reusable containers, or bundles set out for collection. The collected leaf and yard waste material is taken to All Treat Farms in Arthur, where it is turned into compost. The finished compost becomes the main ingredient in many lawn care and garden soil products sold through retailers across Canada. By composting this material instead of landfilling it, the County is saving landfill space, reducing methane gas emissions, and creating a valuable resource for improving soil in residential gardens and agricultural applications. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Leaf and Yard Waste Drop-off at Waste Facilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The County of Wellington accepts leaf and yard waste at all six County waste facilities. This material is accepted from County residents free of charge, from Spring through Fall (approximately April through November) every year. Regular fees apply for wood, brush, and commercial/business loads. Please note, not all County waste facilities accept wood and brush.
Please bring leaf and yard waste in brown paper yard waste bags, in a reusable can, or loose. As always, please tarp your loads. The leaf and yard waste material is taken to All Treat Farms in Arthur, where it is turned into compost. The finished compost becomes the main ingredient in many lawn care and garden soil products sold through retailers across Canada. By composting this material instead of landfilling it, the County is saving landfill space, reducing methane gas emissions, and creating a valuable resource for improving soil in residential gardens and agricultural applications. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grasscycling |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grasscycling occurs naturally when grass clippings are left on your lawn to decompose. Practice grasscycling to:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pumpkins and Jack O'Lanterns |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
There are a many options to divert your pumpkins and Jack O'Lanterns from landfill.
Please remove any candles or decorative items. Taste Real lists some other ways your Jack O'Lantern can spread joy, even after Halloween. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Composting Leaf and Yard Waste at Home |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Composting leaf and yard waste at home is easy and it can have many benefits, including:
Here are a few easy steps for composting your leaf and yard waste at home:
You will know your compost is ready when it is black with an earthy smell. Then you are ready to spread the finished compost on your lawn, work it into loosened existing soil for your garden, or share with a friend. It’s that easy! For more information on composting leaf and yard waste at home, check out these helpful links below: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/composting-leaves.htm https://www.bcliving.ca/starting-a-garden-waste-compost https://www.pennlive.com/gardening/2016/10/how_to_compost_your_yard_waste.html https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/composting-yard-waste-7-212/ https://www.epicgardening.com/composting-leaves/ https://www.planetnatural.com/leaf-mold/ https://oldworldgardenfarms.com/2019/10/24/how-to-compost-leaves/ Did you know? Many species of the walnut tree family produce a chemical called juglone that can be toxic to non-tolerant plants and often does not breakdown in a backyard composter. |
Fallen Fruit or Nuts |
There are a few options to take care of fallen fruit or nuts on your property:
Bring collected seeds to the Bradford Whitcombe Nursery in Puslinch or let the Tree Nursery Coordinator know where the seed is by emailing jessicat@wellington.ca. |