Residential Leaf Collection

Each year starting in the fall, the City of Victoria collects approximately 7,000 tonnes of leaves from over 40,000 trees.

The City offers leaf collection to residents to help keep leaves out of storm sewers which can cause flooding, maintain clean streets and boulevards, and produce quality mulch for City parks and community programs.

View the 2022 LEAFlet being mailed to homes.

Residents have three options for leaf collection:

1. Leaf Drop-Off Service (proof of residency required)

Leaves and garden waste can be dropped off year-round at the Public Works Yard, 417 Garbally Road on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more.

In fall 2022, leaves can also be dropped off at the Parks Yard in Beacon Hill Park, 100 Cook Street, on Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. from Nov. 6 to Dec. 11.

2. Neighbourhood Leaf Collection

Pile your leaves on the boulevard in advance of the collection start date for your neighbourhood. Bags are not required for leaf collection. City trucks will make one pass down each street following each collection start date. Collection dates are weather dependent and crews prioritize areas that are prone to flooding. Crews will start leaf collection in your zone on the collection start date and for the following three to four weeks.

Neighbourhoods First Collection Starts Second Collection Starts
James Bay, Fairfield, Rockland, Gonzales, South Jubilee Oct. 17 Dec. 12
Oaklands, Fernwood, North Jubilee, Hillside-Quadra Nov. 7 Dec. 28
Victoria West, Burnside Gorge, North Park, Harris Green, Downtown Dec. 5 Jan. 9

3. Call for Bagged Leaf Pick-Up Service

Contact us for leaf collection from Oct. 17 to Dec. 16 for service within five business days. Leaves must be bagged in clear, certified-compostable bags. Bags must contain leaves only - no other garden waste is accepted. Service is limited to one pick-up per household. Call us at 250.361.0600 or email parks@victoria.ca. 

Quick tips for leaf collection:

  • Bags are not required for leaf drop-off or for neighbourhood collection but if you use them always use clear, certified-compostable bags
  • Do not place leaves in other types of bags, boxes or containers
  • Keep streets, sidewalks and storm drains clear of leaves
  • Do not rake or blow leaves onto the sidewalk, into the street or onto storm sewer grates
  • To avoid contact with debris, such as sharp items and animal feces that may be beneath leaves on your property, it's a good idea to wear sturdy footwear and gloves
  • Ensure leaf piles and bags are placed on the grass boulevard, and are visible and accessible from the street
  • Avoid placing leaf piles on or against trees, power poles, signs and fire hydrants
  • For properties without a grassy boulevard, place your leaf piles on your property
  • Please follow the ‘No Parking’ signs that will be placed by crews before collection begins

Leaves and yard waste are accepted in your green bin. If you have a lot of leaves, participating in the leaf collection program frees up your green bin for other yard and garden waste.

Not accepted

Ivy clippings, pine needles, soil, blackberry canes, rocks, morning glory, roots, garden refuse, stumps, compost, lawn clippings, branches, or any construction lumber or branch material from commercial tree contractors and landscaping companies are not included in the leaf collection program.

How are collection routes determined?

Various factors are considered in developing the leaf collection schedule including traffic patterns, school zones, road conditions, noise levels, areas prone to flooding and the types of trees on each street. Inclement weather and a late leaf drop may also impact leaf collection timelines.

Thank you for your patience while City crews work as quickly as possible to get to every street, park and boulevard in Victoria.

How are leaves collected by the City?

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. Crews use a large vacuum unit that sucks up the leaves and blows them into a truck. They may also load leaves using tractors into bins or trucks. Loose and bagged leaves are transported to the Beacon Hill Park maintenance yard for composting.

Can I compost my leaves instead?

Absolutely. Mulched leaves are a valuable source of nutrients for potted plants, flowers, shrubs and trees. By composting your own leaves, you also help reduce emissions caused by leaf blowers, trucks and other equipment used by the leaf pick-up service.

For more information on backyard composting, contact the Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre at 250.386.9676 or visit compost.bc.ca.

How do I report leaves blocking the sewer?

If you spot blocked sewer grates at risk of causing flooding and you're unable to clear it, please contact Public Works at 250.361.0400.

For inquiries about the residential leaf collection program, please contact us at 250.361.0600 or parks@victoria.ca.

 

City of Victoria Leaf Mulch

The City processes its own leaf mulch with leaves collected during residential leaf collection as well as from parks, sports fields, tennis courts, streets and other areas. Most of what we process is used within Victoria's 138 parks and open spaces.

Surplus Leaf Mulch

At certain times of year, surplus leaf mulch is available for the public to self-load outside the Parks Yard at the end of Nursery Road in Beacon Hill Park until the supply runs out. Surplus leaf mulch will be available again starting late winter 2023.

Gardeners wanting to pick up this free mulch can use shovels and pitchforks. Heavy machinery (i.e. bobcat) is not allowed. You may wish to call ahead to see if mulch is available during busy times of year: 250.361.0600.

Surplus leaf mulch is also made available to community gardening projects that are developed by non-profit organizations located in Victoria. If you are involved in a community gardening project, contact parks@victoria.ca or 250.361.0600 for more information.

At certain times of year, the City also delivers leaf mulch to neighbourhood collection points for residents to use in home gardens. Check victoria.ca/getgrowing for updates.