Campbell River Recycling

NOTICE: Due to large spring yard clean-ups Emterra is often unable to collect all the yard waste on the day's route.

If the yard waste is not picked up on your street, please leave it out as Emterra will complete the route the following morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Yard Waste FAQs

When is my yard waste collected?

Yard waste is collected on the same day as your regular garbage collection. Yard waste weekly curbside collection is available throughout spring to fall, starting first week in March to the last week in November.
What time does yard waste have to be out?

Please have your yard waste curbside by 7:30 a.m.
What yard waste materials will be accepted?

Leaves, grass clippings, branches, plants, flowers, tree or hedge trimmings, and small amounts of sod or soil are acceptable. Items not accepted include: rocks, stumps, painted or treated wood, garbage, kitchen waste, home renovation or construction materials.
How do I package yard waste for collection?
There are several ways package yard waste:
- Use a strong lidded container (i.e. a garbage container) clearly labeled Yard Waste. This allows the collection crews to distinguish yard waste cans from garbage.
- Branches and prunings must be tied or bagged in secure bundles measuring maximum 90cm (36”) long and 60cm (24”) wide. Individual branches must not exceed 7.6 cm (3") in diameter.
- Tie bundles with twine or other compostable string. Yard waste may also be packaged in unlined paper bags. Plastic/compostable plastic bags will NOT be picked up
Is there a maximum size for the yard waste container?

Yes, as yard waste can be quite heavy, cans should be maximum 20kg (44 pounds).
I have too much material to fit into a can or bag!

Yard waste pick up is unlimited, provided it is packaged appropriately. Please ensure that each can or bag is within the weight limits (20kg or 44 pounds). Alternatively, you can drop-off unlimited amounts of grass and leaves (no chipping required) at the landfill for free, however if you do have any sticks or items that require chipping you will be charged. City of Campbell River residents continue to have unlimited curbside pick-up.
NEW: Where is the Yard Waste Drop-off Centre?

NOTICE: The Yard waste drop-off site is currently closed while the contractor finds a new site. You can drop-off unlimited amounts of grass and leaves (no chipping required) at the landfill for free, however if you do have any sticks or items that require chipping you will be charged. City of Campbell River residents continue to have unlimited curbside pick-up from the first week of March until the last week of November.
Labelling Containers
1. Clearly mark a container Yard Waste with bold lettering.
2. Download and print Yard Waste decal from City website and affix to a container.
What are yard waste bags and why do they need to be labeled as compostable?

The composting facility that processed yard waste reported that regular and biodegradable bags were contaminating the final product (soil) as they do not break down.

Many bags are advertised as being suitable for yard waste (such as clear lawn and garden bags), but only unlined paper bags are truly compostable and will be accepted.

ALL plastic/compostable plastic bags will NOT be picked up at the curb.

YARD WASTE COLLECTION PROVIDED THE FIRST WEEK OF MARCH TO THE LAST WEEK OF NOVEMBER

Composting – Nearly 35 per cent of the material dumped in our landfill is biodegradable waste that produces methane due to decomposition in anaerobic conditions. Methane is a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide – a major contributor to climate change. Home composting can easily divert organic waste into useful fertilizer for your garden. It’s a convenient disposal mechanism for kitchen scraps, leaves and other yard waste. There are many options available including apartment-sized worm bins, self-contained units (pictured) and permanent sectional garden structures. For information on starting your own compost, the Campbell River Compost Education Centre is open from April to October.

Curbside Collection – Weekly curbside yard waste collection is available throughout the spring and summer. Program start and dates are listed above. Outdoor trimmings and leaves are accepted, along with sod and small amounts of soil. Kitchen waste, animal feces and non-biodegradable materials are not accepted. Material will need to be placed in either compostable bags or clearly-labeled open-top rigid containers (max 80L).

Yard Waste Drop-off Centre - NEW: The Yard waste drop-off site is currently closed while the contractor finds a new site. You can drop-off unlimited amounts of grass and leaves (no chipping required) at the landfill for free, however if you do have any sticks or items that require chipping you will be charged. City of Campbell River residents continue to have unlimited curbside pick-up.

Illegal Dumping Dangers – While biodegradable, incorrectly disposed yard waste has a serious impact on our environment and biodiversity conservation. Piles of yard waste attract rats and pests that spread disease and venture into our homes. It only takes one spark to ignite dried out piles of branches and prunings. Dumped yard waste smothers seedlings, carries plant disease, and causes nitrogen deficiencies in the soil that can kill native plants. Not only are non-native species like Scotch Broom introduced from yard waste, dumping creates “dead zones” that become entry points for invasive species. Read more...

Yard Waste

Frequently Asked Questions

Yard Waste FAQs

YARD WASTE COLLECTION PROVIDED THE FIRST WEEK OF MARCH TO THE LAST WEEK OF NOVEMBER

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