The City of Edmonton has announced that its annual spring yard waste collection program will officially commence on Monday, April 21, 2026. This essential municipal service allows residents to dispose of organic materials like leaves, grass clippings, and small branches accumulated during the winter and early spring months.
Preparing Your Yard Waste for Collection
To ensure a smooth and efficient collection process, residents are urged to follow specific guidelines. Yard waste must be placed in paper bags or reusable containers clearly labeled for yard waste. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited as they cannot be processed at composting facilities. Branches should be bundled with natural twine or rope, with each bundle not exceeding 1.2 meters in length and 0.6 meters in diameter.
Accepted and Prohibited Items
The program accepts a variety of organic materials commonly found in residential yards. This includes grass clippings, leaves, plants, flowers, and small tree prunings. However, certain items are not permitted in the yard waste collection. These include soil, sod, rocks, large logs, animal waste, and food scraps, which should be disposed of through other municipal waste streams.
Collection Schedule and Placement
Collection will occur on residents' regular waste collection day. It is crucial to have yard waste placed at the curb or in the designated alley pickup location by 7:00 AM on the scheduled day. The city advises not to place materials out more than 24 hours in advance to prevent scattering by wind or animals. Missed collections can be reported through the city's 311 service for follow-up.
Environmental Benefits and Composting
This program plays a significant role in Edmonton's waste diversion efforts. Collected yard waste is transported to composting facilities where it is transformed into nutrient-rich compost, reducing landfill use and supporting sustainable gardening practices. The city encourages residents to consider backyard composting for smaller amounts of yard waste as an additional eco-friendly option.
For those with excess materials beyond the collection limits, the Edmonton Waste Management Centre accepts drop-offs of yard waste year-round. Residents are reminded to check the city's official website or mobile app for any updates or changes to the collection schedule due to weather conditions or operational adjustments.
