Know what belongs in your yard waste

The City of Oshawa is reminding residents about what is and is not accepted through the residential yard waste program.

Yard waste is collected every other week on the same day as garbage collection from mid-April through early December. Materials must be placed in paper yard waste bags or clearly marked open-top containers weighing less than 20 kg (44 lbs.). Review collection requirements before placing materials at the curb.

What yard waste is accepted?

The following materials are accepted for curbside yard waste collection:

• Leaves and brush
• Garden trimmings, weeds and plants
• Corn stalks
• Fallen fruit from trees
• Pine needles and pine cones
• Twigs and brush bundled for collection

Twigs and brush must be tied in bundles no longer than 1.2 metres (4 feet) in length, weigh less than 20 kg (44 lbs.) and contain branches no greater than 10 centimetres (4 inches) in diameter.

Pumpkins and gourds are also accepted and will be collected on the first yard waste collection day after Halloween. 

What is not accepted?

Residents are reminded that yard waste containing unacceptable materials will not be collected. Including these items with your yard waste can contaminate loads and reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of the composting process:

• Grass clippings
• Soil, sod, stones and clay
• Hay or straw bales
• Tree stumps, trunks and large branches
• Lumber
• Plastic flowers and plant pots
• Yard waste placed in plastic bags
• Artificial Christmas trees
• Christmas trees placed in plastic bags

Help keep roads and storm drains clear

Residents are reminded not to rake or blow leaves and yard waste onto roadways. Yard waste can block catch basins, contribute to localized flooding and create slippery conditions for motorists and cyclists. Fouling roadways with yard waste may be subject to enforcement.

The City also encourages residents to consider backyard composting and pollinator-friendly gardening practices to help support a healthy environment and local biodiversity.

To learn more about yard waste collection requirements, visit oshawa.ca/YardWaste.

Check your collection schedule by downloading the Durham Region Waste App or using our schedule lookup tool on the Collection Schedule page.