Leaf and Yard Waste

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:

• Brown paper yard waste bag, available at local retailers
• Reusable can, clearly marked "Yard Waste"
• Small tied bundle of branches (branches must be no more than 92 cm (3 ft) in length and 8 cm (3 in) in diameter)

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:

• Divert waste from landfill sites
• Return nitrogen and other nutrients to the lawn through the decomposition process

• Save time by not raking or bagging grass clippings

  • Cut grass regularly and maintain the height of the lawn between 5 - 7 cm
  • Do not cut more than 1/3 off the grass blade at one time
  • Less frequent deep watering is more beneficial to lawns than more frequent surface watering

Pumpkins and Jack O'Lanterns

There are a many options to divert your pumpkins and Jack O'Lanterns from landfill.

• In urban areas only, pumpkins and Jack O'Lanterns may be placed curbside for collection with leaf and yard waste in brown paper yard waste bags or in reusable cans clearly marked "Yard Waste."
• Pumpkins and Jack O'Lanterns may also be brought to any County waste facility as leaf and yard waste before the end of November, free of charge.
• Pumpkins and Jack O'Lanterns may also be cut up and placed into your green bin for collection.

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:

• Improved soil drainage
• Increased soil nutrients
• No need to wait for leaf and yard waste curbside collection day
• No need to load material onto vehicle or trailer and drive to waste facility

Here are a few easy steps for composting your leaf and yard waste at home:

1. Locate a composting area – Find a location in your yard that is out of sight, but easy to access. This area should be on level ground with good drainage; preferably a soil or gravel base. Ensure your compost will not be against a building or hedge.
2. Choose a form of containment – Material can be composted in an open pile, but using some form of containment will prevent your compost from blowing around. A simple enclosure made of scrap wood or chicken wire works well.
3. Add your material – You will need a good mix of dry, “brown”, carbon-rich material (eg. mulched leaves, branches, and twigs) and damp, “green”, nitrogen-rich material (eg. grass clippings).
4. Maintain your compost – Turn and water your compost regularly to encourage airflow, disperse heat, and maintain moisture. Compost should at least 15^oC, and should be moist, not soggy!

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:

1. Place them in your leaf and yard waste bag.
2. Small quantities can be placed in your green bin. 
3. Ask a friend or neighbour if they would have a use for them.  
4. Better yet, donate them! Wellington County's Green Legacy Programme is the largest municipal tree planting programme in North America with trees grown from locally sourced seeds. Help the environment and increase forest cover in the County by donating your native oak tree (red oak, bur oak, white oak) acorns or black walnuts to Green Legacy.

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.