Loose leaf collection

The loose leaf collection program has ended for the year.

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 when the leaf collection program is running

Find your collection zone

How collection works

Search your collection zone in the map provided above.

Know your week

Collection has ended for 2020.

Loose leaf collection process

  1. Check the map above to locate your zone and estimated leaf collection date.
  2. 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.
    1. 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
    2. 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
  3. Leaf collection crews will visit each zone only once – we cannot accommodate repeat visits.
  4. Once all leaves are collected or there is consistently snow or freezing weather conditions, the program will end.
  5. 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.
  6. We only pick up loose leaves. Do not put sticks or non-leaf material in piles.
  7. 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:

  • Avondale Avenue from city limit to John Street West
  • Aberdeen Road from city limit to Forsyth Drive
  • Belmont Avenue from city limit to John Street West
  • Dunbar Road from city limit to John Street West 
  • Esson Street from city limit to John Street West 
  • Hartwood Avenue from city limit to Weber Street South
  • Margaret Avenue from city limit to Union Street East
  • Mary Street from city limit to Union Street East
  • Pinewood Place
  • Severn Street from city limit John Street West