Preparing tree debris for curbside yard waste collection

Waterloo Region –  The Region of Waterloo can help homeowners with the storm debris cleanup through our bi-weekly yard waste collection 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.  Yard waste 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 yard waste program.

Tree debris can be brought to the Cambridge (201 Savage Drive) or Waterloo (925 Erb Street West, Gate 2) transfer stations for disposal. Regular tipping fees will apply: dedicated loads of yard waste are $3.70 per 100 kg (minimum $2.00).  Please note that surcharge fees may apply in the case of stumps, or other large materials requiring extra handling.

Yard waste collection for the week of July 29 is in Cities of Cambridge and Waterloo, and Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley and Woolwich.   Yard waste collection for the week of August 5 is in the City of Kitchener and Township of Wilmot. 

Information provided from the City of Kitchener and the City of Waterloo advises that property owners are responsible for clearing trees on private property.   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, he township collection calendars, the tri-city collection guide, or by calling customer service at 519-883-5100.

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 Media contact:

 Susan White, Manager, Waste Collection and Diversion, suwhite@regionofwaterloo.ca, or 519-883-5100 ext. 8417