Preparing tree debris for curbside collection

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo can help homeowners with the ice storm debris cleanup through our residential waste collection service if the material is prepared properly.

To prepare tree debris for curbside collection, branches:

• must be under 92 cm (3 feet) in length, and less than 7.5 cm (3 inches) in diameter

• must be bundled and tied with twine and weigh less than 23 kg (50 pounds)

• may also be placed out in kraft paper bags or a garbage can with a Region Yard Waste sticker or brightly coloured ribbon identifying it as yard waste. Branches in plastic bags will not be collected.

• must be out by 7 a.m. on the regular collection day

Curbside collection trucks are not equipped for large tree cleanup. Any tree debris larger than noted above cannot be collected through the municipal waste collection program.

Tree debris can also be brought to the Cambridge (201 Savage Drive) or Waterloo (925 Erb Street West, Gate 2) transfer stations for disposal. Residents who bring segregated loads of their brush/branches resulting from the recent ice storm will have their tipping fee waived until January 11, 2014.

Correctly bundled branches will be collected with residential garbage collection during the week of December 23rd. Correctly bundled branches will be collected as part of the residential two-week curbside Christmas tree collection program (December 30 to January 10, 2014).

If residents are unsure whether a fallen tree is a city tree, property owners can contact their individual city departments:

Cambridge: 519-740-4681, Ext. 4017

Kitchener: 519-741-2345

Waterloo: 519-886-2310

More detailed information on our waste programs can be found on our website at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/waste, the township collection calendars, the tri-city collection guide, or by calling customer service at 519-883-5100.

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Media contact:

Dave Johnstone, Supervisor, Collections and Service, djohnstone@regionofwatelroo.ca or call 519-883-5100 x8444