Spring yard waste pickup season kicks off Tuesday in Ottawa, here’s what you need to know

The City of Ottawa says the spring peak leaf and yard waste season officially kicks off Tuesday.

Throughout the season, waste collection operators will pick up separately set out leaf and yard waste at the curb until 8 p.m. everyday, said Shelley McDonald, the director of solid waste services in the city’s public works department, in an email Friday.

“The peak season typically lasts for approximately four weeks but can be longer depending on yard waste quantities and the weather. All other times of the year, curbside waste, including leaf and yard waste is picked up by 6 p.m.,” reads the email.

Residents are asked to take note of the changes regarding yard waste and leaf pickup, which are included in the 2026 Residential Curbside Collection Contract, the city says.

According to the council-approved contract, operators will continue to pick up yard waste in 2026. However, residents will have to place their yard waste and leaves “in brown bags or another suitable reusable container for collection, not mixed in with organic material in the green bin,” reads the email.

The changes will allow operators to bring the waste to the Barnsdale leaf and yard compost pad at the Trail Waste Facility Landfill, the city says. It adds that the changes are more cost effective than bringing the waste to the contracted organics processing facility.

The spring peak leaf and yard waste season takes place two times per year, in the fall and in the spring.

More information about yard waste is available online.