Edmonton spring waste collection schedule starts soon

The city will start picking up food scraps more often as it transitions to its spring schedule.

The City of Edmonton is preparing to return to its spring waste collection schedule in two weeks.

For residents with curbside pickup, the change will take place on April 15.

This means that green food scraps carts will be collected weekly, rather than every two weeks.

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Black garbage carts and recycling continue to be collected every two weeks and every week, respectively.

The more frequent food scraps collection reduces odours as the weather warms up and allows more room in cards for yard waste, according to the city.

Between April 21 and June 16, curbside residents will have two yard waste collection days, which will all be on a Monday.

Edmontonians can check their collection dates through the WasteWise app or on the city’s website.

The city asks yard waste be put in see-through plastic or double-ply bags and that bags be light enough to lift with one arm.

There is no limit to the number of bags residents can leave out on collection days.

On April 1, city eco stations began operating on summer hours and will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until November.

Edmontonians can drop off batteries, electronics, household hazardous waste and more at the stations.

For residents looking to get rid of bigger items that can’t be collected with the regular garbage, like couches, chairs and mattresses, Big Bin events will return, beginning on May 3 and running until September.

For those thinking about gardening, composting or animals, the city will host Spring Thaw and Bales of Straw events at several tobogganing hills in April.

Edmontonians will be able to come to an event and collect up to six straw bales for their yards at no charge.

The straw has a variety of uses, including mulching, home composting, animal bedding, straw bale gardening.

The events will take place on:

Saturday, April 12

• Queen Elizabeth Park: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Emily Murphy Park: 10 - 11 a.m.
• Gallagher Park: Noon - 3 p.m.

Sunday, April 13

• Rundle Park (ACT Hill): 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Rundle Park (North Hill): 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Saturday, April 19

• Queen Elizabeth Park: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Attendees will be responsible for loading, securing and moving the straw bales and are advised to bring gloves, wagons, tie-downs, tarp and other necessary equipment.