As Metro Vancouver's trees begin to take on vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, locals will make their way through the city streets and parks to admire the fall foliage.
But before you run out to rake up the leaves outside of your home, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Not only does improperly disposing of leaves come with a stiff fine, but it is also extremely dangerous. Of course, wet leaves left in piles anywhere where people walk are dangerous. However, the City of Vancouver has a detailed set of guidelines to follow that ensures they are properly disposed of.
For example, residents are prohibited from blowing or raking leaves onto the street, catch basin, sidewalk, boulevard, or bike lane. Doing so can cause flooding and is also a safety hazard to people walking or cycling.
What's more, if you are caught doing this you may get slapped with a hefty fine of up to $10,000. This is because raking or blowing leaves onto the street is a fineable offence under the street and traffic bylaw. As such, you'll want to ensure that you put your leaves in the designated green bin.
Raking Leaves
As part of its fall leaf program, the city coordinates extra leaf collection for residents with green bin service.
Worried about the sheer amount of leaves on your property?
Leaves that don’t fit in your green bin are collected city-wide on a series of weekends.
North collection zones
If you live in Red North, Blue North, Green North, Purple North, or Yellow North, set your extra leaves out on:
- Oct. 29 and 30, 2022
- Nov. 19 and 20, 2022
- Dec. 17 and 18, 2022
South collection zones
If you live in Red South, Blue South, Green South, Purple South, or Yellow South, set your extra leaves out on:
- Nov. 5 and 6, 2022
- Nov. 26 and 27, 2022
- Dec. 17 and 18, 2022
Tips for ensuring pick-up
- Put extra leaves into paper bags or store-bought bins (maximum 100 litres). Crews will only collect extra leaves that are set out in paper bags or store-bought bins.
- Leaves may be collected on Saturday or Sunday (not both days). Set out your leaves for collection before 7 a.m. on the scheduled Saturday to avoid a missed collection.
- Place the extra leaf bags or containers in the same location that you receive green bin pick up.
- Store extra leaves in a dry or covered area before setting them out for pick up.
- Download the VanCollect app for collection reminders to avoid missed collections.
Other things to consider:
- Green bins will not be emptied on extra leaf collection weekends.
- Do not use plastic bags of any kind, even those labelled as compostable or biodegradable. Leaves set out in plastic bags will not be collected.
Vehicles parked in street leaf clearing "no stopping" zones will be towed to a nearby location and may be issued a fine of $100 (discounted to $60 if paid within 14 days).
More options for extra leaves
- Leaves and other yard trimmings can be dropped off for a fee at the Vancouver South Transfer Station (377 West Kent Avenue North) or the Vancouver Landfill in Delta.
- Use your leaves for mulch in your garden.
