Departments > Parks, Recreation and Culture > Parks Division > Residential Leaf Pick-Up

• Residential Leaf Pick-Up Flyer - [PDF 186KB]
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Residential Branch Chipping

Residential Leaf Pick-Up in Victoria

Residential Leaf Pick-Up Flyer - [PDF 186KB]

Residential leaf collection is currently underway in Victoria. Victoria residents have two options for leaf collection.

Neighbourhood Leaf Collection

Monday, November 14, 2011 was the deadline for Victoria residents to have their bagged leaves or leaf piles at the curb for pick up. There is no limit to the amount of bagged leaves or leaf piles you can set out at the curb by this date. As City trucks will only make one pass down each street, it is important to have leaves placed at the curb by this date. If a return trip is required, a $40 fee will be charged per household's request. Bags must be tied, clear and 100% biodegradable. Leaf collection ends in January.

Note: Due to snow and mechanical breakdown, leaf collection will be extended into February 2012.

Call for Pick-up Service

From Monday, October 17 to Friday, December 16, 2011, Victoria residents could contact the City Parks office at 250.361.0600 to arrange for their bagged leaves to be picked up at the curb for free within three to five working days. Callers were asked to provide their name, address and phone number. There was no limit to the number of calls for pick-up.

By placing leaves in clear, 100% biodegradable bags, you help reduce emissions caused by leaf blowers and other powered equipment used in leaf collection. Bagged leaves also help prevent flooding and are easier and quicker to collect, saving the City time and money.

Bags accepted: clear, 100% biodegradable bags, sizes vary (e.g., 33-litre standard size bags, 113 or 125-litre garden and waste bags).

Bags not accepted: plastic bags

Currently, the City does not sell clear, 100% biodegradable 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 at the Curb

• Ensure leaf piles and bagged leaves are placed close to the curb, and are visible and accessible from the street.
• Bags must be tied, clear and 100% biodegradable
• 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 at the curb by November 14 or for call for pick-up service.
• 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 caued 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. For more information click here.

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.

In October 2011, Victoria residents living in single family homes, duplexes and townhouses received a copy of the Leaf Pick-up flyer - [PDF 186KB] in the mail. If you do not receive unaddressed mail, the flyer is available at Victoria City Hall, the Beacon Hill Park Maintenance Yard Office, Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre, and local community centres and libraries.

Contact Us

For more information, contact 250.361.0600 or email the Parks Division.

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