Edmonton's Green Revolution: Your Guide to Yard Waste Collection!

Get ready, Edmonton! The city's much-anticipated residential yard waste collection has officially kicked off, transforming how households manage their organic garden debris. Starting April 15th and running all the way through late November, this essential service is designed to make keeping your property pristine easier and more eco-friendly.

This bi-weekly collection aligns perfectly with your regular garbage pick-up day, offering a seamless way to dispose of everything from fallen leaves to grass clippings and small branches.

Picture this: no more overflowing bins or struggling with tricky disposal methods – just clear guidelines for a greener Edmonton.

So, what exactly can you toss into the collection? Think natural garden remnants: leaves, grass, and smaller branches. For branches, ensure they're no thicker than 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) in diameter and no longer than 1.2 meters (roughly 4 feet).

The key is to use certified compostable bags – look for the paper or clear plastic varieties – and ensure each bag weighs no more than 20 kilograms (approximately 44 pounds) when full. If you have branches, neatly tie them into bundles for easy handling.

But wait, there are a few things that don't belong.

Keep out plastic pots, loose dirt or sod, any animal waste, rocks, lumber, and especially food waste. Food scraps have their own dedicated journey; they should be placed in your specialized food scraps cart, contributing to a different stream of the city's comprehensive waste management program.

This convenient curb-side collection, which replaced the former large leaf bag system in 2021, is a vital component of Edmonton's broader commitment to sustainable waste practices.

It diverts significant amounts of organic material from landfills, turning what was once waste into valuable compost.

What if you have more yard waste than you can fit, or you miss your collection day? No problem! Edmonton's Eco Stations are ready to accept your excess yard waste. These drop-off points provide an excellent alternative for larger volumes or for those who prefer to transport their own garden refuse, ensuring every leaf and twig finds its proper, environmentally sound destination.

By participating in the yard waste collection program, every household contributes to Edmonton's environmental health, fostering cleaner communities and a more sustainable future.

Let's make this season our greenest yet!