Loose leaf collection
The purpose of this program is to prevent leaves that have fallen from boulevard/street trees from clogging up sewers and clogging up the stormwater system. The leaf collection program for 2020 begins Monday, November 2 and ends Saturday, November 28.
Waterloo residents have three options for leaf collection:
- bag leaves for the Region of Waterloo's biweekly yard waste collection
- mulch the leaves and let them remain on their property
- rake street tree leaves to the edge of the road for loose leaf collection
Find your collection zone
How collection works
Search your collection zone in the map provided above.
Know your week
This is the estimated collection schedule for 2020.
Zones with fewer trees will be collected first, followed by more heavily forested areas.
- November 2 to November 7: zones W6, W8, E8, E7
- November 9 to 14: zones W7, W1, E6, E5
- November 16 to 21: zones W3, W4, E3, E4
- November 23 to 28: zones W2, W5, E1, E2
Loose leaf collection process
- Check the map above to locate your zone and estimated leaf collection date.
- On the first day of your estimated collection date, rake leaves from the tree(s) on your boulevard only to the curb by 7:00 a.m.
- Do not rake leaves into bike lanes. If you have a bike lane in front of your property, rake the leaves to the edge of your property before it hits the bike lane
- If you do not have a bike lane in front of your property, rake the leaves onto the road as close to the curb as possible
- Leaf collection crews will visit each zone only once – we cannot accommodate repeat visits.
- Once all leaves are collected or there is consistently snow or freezing weather conditions, the program will end.
- The City of Waterloo collects fallen leaves from trees on boulevards only – do not rake leaves from other trees located in front or back yards.
- We only pick up loose leaves. Do not put sticks or non-leaf material in piles.
- Residents are notified of the leaf collection start date and estimated collection through social media, e-newsletters and signs posted in neighbourhoods.
|
Cold temperatures and snowfall |
|
Heavy snow fall in combination with continual freezing temperatures ends the leaf collection program. Our staff monitor the weather and often continue leaf collection once cold weather has subsided, however the trucks that collect leaves are the same trucks that clear snow. |
|
Missed leaf collection |
|
If you miss your leaf collection week, you can bag your leaves and set them out for regional yard waste collection. The Region of Waterloo’s yard waste collection program ends Friday, November 27. If you miss the Region of Waterloo’s yard waste collection dates, you can deliver your leaves to the landfill during their hours of operation. The City of Waterloo is a recognized Bee City and bees use natural mulch as a habitat. Consider using your leaves as mulch or compost on your property. |
|
Unable to rake leaves to street |
|
If you are unable to rake leaves to the street yourself Home Support Services may be able to assist. Contact 519-579-6930 for eligibility and fees. |
|
Streets that border Kitchener |
|
The City of Kitchener provides leaf collection service on the following border streets:
|