Officials remind of open burning regulations and proper yard waste disposal

Windsor city hall in Windsor, Ont. on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021. (Sanjay Maru/CTV Windsor)

The City of Windsor and Windsor Fire and Rescue Services (WFRS) are reminding the community of open burning regulations and proper yard waste disposal this spring.

Open burn regulations

According to WFRS, open burning is not allowed, unless you have a valid permit.

“So far in 2025, our emergency services have already responded to more than 50 incidents related to improper open burning,” said Fire Chief Jamie Waffle.

A Windsor by-law took effect in February 2025, which sees any residents found carrying out an open burn without a permit will be charged a recovery cost, which are equivalent to the Ministry of Transportation rates. Those rates are currently around $570.50 per hour per piece of apparatus (a minimum one-hour fee), as well as consumable inventory and a 10 per cent administrative fee, plus HST.

The City of Windsor passed this by-law in an effort to recover costs to send out emergency vehicles.

If you would like to apply for an open burn permit, you can do so here. https://www.windsorfire.com/fire-prevention/open-air-burning/

Proper yard waste disposal

The City of Windsor reminds that curbside yard waste collection will begin mid-April. So, if you are out cleaning up your yard, you are asked to use the Public Drop Off Depot. It’s free of charge, however tipping fees may apply in some cases.

Until March 29, winter hours are in effect:

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Closed Sundays and most statutory holidays

Beginning March 31, the summer and fall hours will begin:

• Monday to Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Closed Sundays and most statutory holidays
• The depot is open on Remembrance Day

Here is a document outlining when tipping fees apply.

When you are getting your yard waste ready to drop off, you are asked to:

• Place leaves, garden waste, branches, brush, tree, and hedge trimmings in approved containers, such as cardboard boxes, paper yard waste bags, or garbage cans
• Branches cannot be more than three inches, or 7.5 centimetres thick. Brush and branches should be tied in bundles no more than four feet long and three feet thick, weighing 44 pounds or less
• Don’t use wire to tie your bundles. Loose piles of brush won’t be collected
• Thorny branches should be contained securely to prevent injury

More information on yard waste disposal guidelines, call 311.