Leaf and Yard Waste

The Central Elgin Leaf and Yard Waste Collection Program runs both in the spring and fall for 4 weeks. Collection happens each week on Monday mornings in built-up areas of Central Elgin. Bags must be put out by 7 a.m.

All leaves must be in biodegradable paper yard waste bags. No bag tag is required, and plastic bags will not be accepted. For other residents and at other times, Central Elgin residents can take their waste to the Community Recycling Centre located at 330 South Edgeware Road in St. Thomas (fees may apply so please check their website).

Please remember that burning of leaves in built up areas is not permitted at any time of year.

The fall leaf and yard waste collection dates for 2026 will be as follows:

• Monday November 9
• Monday November 16
• Monday November 23
• Monday November 30

Collection Routes

Leaf and Yard Waste - Community Routes

Leaf and Yard Waste - Port Stanley Route

Leaf and Yard Waste - Belmont Route

Bundled Brush & Branches

Please place any brush or tree branches in securely tied bundles no larger than 1 metre in length.

Grass Clippings

Central Elgin does not accept grass clippings in any of the waste collection programs. It is recommended that you leave grass clippings on the lawn so they can break down naturally. This is called Grasscycling. This helps return nutrients back into the soil, and reduces the need to fertilize and water your lawn.

Dumping Yard Waste Not Permitted

Dumping yard waste, brush, grass clippings, leaves or other organic materials over the lake banks, within drainage channels or onto the municipal road allowance is not permitted.

The Municipality of Central Elgin is reminding property owners not to dispose of yard waste or other materials in these areas. Recent inspections have identified accumulations of organic material that have contributed to significant drainage issues along the shoreline.

In particular, drainage pipes have become obstructed by organic debris, reducing or preventing proper stormwater flow. These blockages have contributed to erosion and instability along the bank.

Dumping yard waste can:

• Accelerate shoreline and slope erosion.
• Introduce excess nutrients into the lake, contributing to algae growth and water quality issues.
• Damage native vegetation that helps stabilize the bank.
• Negatively affect fish and wildlife habitat.
• Encourage the spread of invasive plant species.
• Create unsightly shoreline conditions.

Proper disposal of yard waste

Yard waste must be disposed of through the municipal collection programs, composting methods or at disposal facilities. 

Where recent dumping has occurred, property owners are asked to remove deposited material and restore affected areas where it is safe and practical to do so.

Keeping drainage infrastructure clear and protecting shoreline areas helps prevent erosion, maintain proper stormwater flow, protect water quality and support public safety.

Please do not dump or deposit yard waste, brush or other materials on the lake bank, in drainage channels or on the municipal road allowance.