As autumn leaves continue to fall, municipalities across St. Thomas and Elgin County are reminding residents of upcoming leaf and yard waste collection schedules.
Here’s what you need to know to get your yards ready for winter.
Municipality of Central Elgin: Collection in built-up areas will take place on Monday, November 3, 17, and 24. Bags should be at the curb by 7 a.m. Only biodegradable paper yard waste bags will be collected. Residents can also drop off yard waste at the Community Recycling Centre in St. Thomas.
City of St. Thomas: Leaf and yard waste collection is ongoing throughout the month of November and will be picked up on your regular waste collection day.
Township of Malahide: Fall leaf and yard waste collection contiues Friday, November 7th and 14th, with pickups in Springfield, Port Bruce, Copenhagen, and Lyons. There is no limit on leaves, sticks, garden plants, or trimmings. Materials must be in paper bags weighing less than 40 lbs or bundled in lengths of 3 feet or less. This service is not for farm, commercial, or industrial waste.
Town of Aylmer: Fall leaf collection will run through November 21, weather permitting. Loose and bagged leaves will be collected throughout the Town. Miller Waste will pick up bagged leaves on Mondays only. Leaves should be neatly piled along the boulevard or placed in biodegradable paper bags.
Tips for Residents Across St. Thomas and Elgin County
- You are encouraged to mulch leaves and spread them on lawns or dig them into gardens as a natural nutrient source and winter protection.
- Excess leaves should be placed in green carts first, then set out for curbside collection if needed.
- Acceptable materials include grass, leaves, weeds, plants, and brush (no longer than 3 feet, no thicker than 2 inches in diameter).
- Set out paper bags or bundles weighing no more than 45 lbs.
For residents of Elgin County outside of collection areas or who missed the deadline, yard waste can also be dropped off in St. Thomas at the Community Recycling Centre at 330 South Edgeware Road.
Up to 5 biodegradable paper yard waste bags can be dropped off at the Community Recycling Centre free of charge.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
