Leaf Collection

Victoria residents have two options for leaf collection: Scheduled Neighbourhood Leaf Collection and Bagged Leaves Call for Pick-up Service. There is no limit to the number of loose or bagged leaves you can set out.

Scheduled Neighbourhood Leaf Collection

Each fall, City of Victoria Parks crews collect leaves along residential streets. Residential leaves can be placed in loose piles or in tied, clear, 100% compostable bags on the boulevard.
 
Scheduled neighbourhood leaf collection begins in November and ends in January. City trucks make one pass down each street. If a return trip is required, a fee of $40 will be charged per household's request.
 
In early October. Victoria residents who live in single family homes, duplexes and townhouses will receive a copy of the 2013 Residential Leaf Pick-up Schedule in the mail. The Schedule will note the deadline for your neighbourhood to have loose or bagged leaves on the boulevard for pick up.
 
If you do not receive unaddressed mail, the flyer will also be available at Victoria City Hall, the Beacon Hill Park Maintenance Yard Office, Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre, and local community centres and libraries. You will also be able to access the schedule here.

Bagged Leaves Call for Pick-up Service

Each year, during a set timeframe, Victoria residents are invited to contact the City Parks Division at 250.361.0600 to arrange for their bagged leaves to be picked up within five working days at no additional charge.
 
Callers are asked to provide their first and last name, street address and phone number. This service provides you with the flexibility of having your leaves picked up before your scheduled neighbourhood collection date.
 
Bags accepted:  clear, 100% compostable bags, sizes vary (e.g., 33-litre standard size bags, 113 or 125-litre garden and waste bags).
Bags not accepted:  plastic bags
 
Compostable Bags
Currently, the City does not sell clear, 100% compostable bags. Look for bags that meet the US standard ASTM #D6400 or the European standard EN13432. Such bags are available at many local retailers where home and garden supplies are sold.

Tips for Placing Leaves on the Boulevard

  • Ensure leaf piles and bagged leaves are placed on the boulevard, and are visible and accessible from the street.
  • Bags must be tied, clear and 100% compostable.
  • Keep gutters, streets, sidewalks and storm drains clear of leaves to prevent clogging or flooding.
  • There is no limit to the number of bags or leaf piles that can be set out on the boulevard. 
  • Leaves only please.

Backyard Composting

Mulched leaves are a valuable source of nutrients for potted plants, flowers, shrubs and trees. The City of Victoria encourages backyard composting wherever possible. By composting your own leaves, you also help reduce the emissions caused by leaf blowers, trucks and other powered equipment used by the leaf pick-up service. By composting your leaves, you help reduce the emissions caused by leaf blowers, trucks and other powered equipment used in leaf collection. For more information, contact the Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre at 250.386.9676 or visit: www.compost.bc.ca

Leaf and Garden Waste Drop-Off

Victoria residents can drop off their leaf and garden waste for free year-round at the City of Victoria Public Works Yard, 417 Garbally Road, Saturdays, from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

About Leaf Pick-up

Each fall, the City of Victoria collects approximately 7,000 tonnes of leaves from over 40,000 trees. Inclement weather and a late leaf drop are defining factors in how quickly staff can collect the leaves. Traffic patterns, school zones, road conditions, noise levels, areas prone to flooding and the types of trees on each street are taken into consideration when designing the leaf pick-up schedule.

First, the City focuses on collecting leaves from parks, sports fields, medians, parking lots, tennis courts and streets. Crews also ensure intersections and sidewalks remain clear for pedestrians.

Residential areas are next. Neighbourhoods with heavier volumes of leaves and early leaf drop, and areas with a higher concentration of large trees have their leaves picked up first. Neighbourhoods that are prone to flooding are given top priority.

The City has "pick-up" crews and "vacuum" crews for collecting loose leaf piles. "Pick-up" crews move the leaves with equipment such as blowers, tractors and rakes to a location that allows for easy access. "Vacuum" crews use a large unit that sucks up the leaves and blows them into a truck. Loose and bagged leaves are transported to the Beacon Hill Park Maintenance Yard for composting and reuse in City gardens.