Making the Most of Hamilton's Yard Waste Collection

photo of acceptable yard waste bag and container

As the seasons change and yard maintenance continues year-round, knowing how to properly dispose of your yard waste can help keep our community clean while supporting Hamilton's environmental initiatives. Here's everything you need to know about yard waste collection in our city.

Seasonal Collection Schedule

Yard waste collection operates seasonally with dedicated trucks that run separately from your regular blue box, green bin, and garbage pickup. This means your yard waste may not be collected on the same day as your other waste streams, so it's important to check your specific waste collection schedule to avoid missed pickups.

Remember to place all yard waste at the curb between 7 pm the night before collection and 7 am on your scheduled collection day.

Year-Round Drop-Off Options

Can't wait for collection day? Hamilton residents can take yard waste to any Community Recycling Centre throughout the year at no cost, provided the waste originates from your home. Business-generated yard waste does incur fees at these facilities.

What Qualifies as Yard Waste

The city accepts a wide variety of organic yard materials:

• Garden Materials: Grass clippings, garden waste, plants, and fallen fruit are all welcome in the yard waste stream.

• Woody Materials: Branches, sticks, twigs, and brush are acceptable when bundled and tied with string. However, branches exceeding 9 cm (3½ inches) in diameter must be taken directly to a Community Recycling Centre rather than placed curbside.

• Seasonal Items: Pumpkins make the list too, but be sure to remove all decorations and candles first.

Important Exclusions

Not everything from your yard belongs in yard waste collection. Rocks, sod, and soil must be disposed of through other means. Additionally, noxious weeds like Giant Hogweed require special handling and should be placed in your regular garbage.

Need Help Identifying Items?

Unsure whether something belongs in yard waste? Hamilton provides a helpful "What Goes Where" search tool on their website. This resource can quickly clarify proper disposal methods for questionable items.

By following these guidelines, residents can efficiently manage their yard waste while supporting Hamilton's commitment to environmental stewardship and community cleanliness. When in doubt, the city's online resources and Community Recycling Centres are always available to help ensure proper disposal.

What Goes Where?