The City of Burlington offers a loose-leaf collection service in the fall in conjunction with the Halton Region's yard waste collection service.
Zone 1 pickup is continuing throughout the weekend. Crews are working on Saturday (Nov. 15) and will continue next week until all leaves are collected. Properties in Zone 2 should be ready for pickup starting Monday (Nov. 17) morning.
Collection dates and zones
The city is divided into three zones for leaf collection. Each zone has different collection dates. Be sure to have your loose leaves out by the date listed on your Zone. Leaves placed to the curb after your collection date will not be picked up if the crews have already completed your street. Any remaining leaves should be mulched or bagged for Halton Region's yard waste pick up.
Try our new interactive leaf collection tracker to check leaf collection boundaries and progress made by road crews each day. The map is updated regularly throughout the day to show collection progress.
Note: If the map indicated that only half the street has been collected, crews may be finished for the day and will return the next day.
Zone one - Nov. 10 - 14
Loose-leaf collection in zone one lasts for one week. Collection may occur any time during the scheduled week. To ensure your leaves are collected, put them out by 6 a.m. on the first day of collection.
Zone two - Nov. 17 - 21
Loose-leaf collection in zone two lasts for one week. Collection may occur any time during the scheduled week. To ensure your leaves are collected, put them out by 6 a.m. on the first day of collection.
Zone three - Nov. 24 - 28
Loose-leaf collection in zone three lasts for one week. Collection may occur any time during the scheduled week. To ensure your leaves are collected, put them out by 6 a.m. on the first day of collection.
Leaf collection guidelines
To ensure that everyone's leaves are collected, please make sure:
- To not to block sidewalks, bike lanes or crowd traffic lanes when moving your leaves to the curb
- To place leaves at the curb, shoulder or boulevard no more than two days before your zone's collection date
- Leaves do not contain branches or other debris
- To not place your leaves in ditches in front of your house or over catch basins
- Not to place garbage bags or bins, blue boxes or green carts on top of loose-leaf piles
- To remove all obstructions, such as parked vehicles, sports equipment and basketball nets
Fines for improper loose-leaf placement
New in 2025, the City has updated its Lot Maintenance By-law, 049-2022, to include fines for leaves placed in a way that blocks sidewalks or bike lanes, or creates flooding hazards.
When placing leaves at the curb:
- Please keep sidewalks and bike lanes clear and accessible for all users.
- Please avoid covering catch basins, storm drains, or ditches to prevent flooding.
Significant obstructions that block access or visibility may result in a fine.
The City is currently working with the province to obtain approval for a $150 set fine. Once approved, the fine amount will take effect immediately.
Staff have the option to file a court summons to those who have placed their leaves in a way that blocks access to sidewalks, bike lanes and drain sewers, and the court will determine the fine when reviewing the charge, so the timing of provincial approval does not affect enforcement. The City will provide an update once provincial approval is received.
Leaf Collection Fines Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
View some of our frequently asked questions about loose-leaf collection rules.
How much can I be fined for blocking bike lanes or sidewalks? |
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The City is currently working with the province to obtain approval for a $150 set fine. Once approved, the fine amount will take effect immediately. Staff have the option to file a court summons to those who have placed their leaves in a way that blocks access to sidewalks, bike lanes and drain sewers, and the court will determine the fine when reviewing the charge, so the timing of provincial approval does not affect enforcement. The City will provide an update once provincial approval is received. |
Will the City issue a ticket if my leaves are placed out too early or too late? |
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The City’s main focus is ensuring safe access for pedestrians and cyclists. Timing is less important than where the leaves are placed. Leaves placed too early do not automatically result in a fine unless they substantially block sidewalks, walkways, or drainage areas. Leaves placed too early are more likely to blow into restricted areas. To reduce this risk, place your leaves at the curb no more than two days before the first day of your scheduled collection week. |
Are there any exemptions? |
| As with the City’s approach to all bylaws, exemptions may apply in certain circumstances. Property owners should take reasonable care to prevent leaves from creating hazards. |
Who enforces this rule, and how are violations dealt with? |
| If the City receives a complaint, enforcement officers will investigate and issue an Order to Comply within an assigned timeframe. If compliance is not met by the assigned date, the City can issue a ticket or court summons. |
What if leaves accidentally blow into a sidewalk, bike lane, or drainage area? |
| The City may consider context when assessing violations, including whether the property owner took reasonable precautions to prevent debris from spilling into the bike lane, sidewalk or storm drain. |
I noticed areas in the City where leaves are fully blocking the bike lane. Can I report it to the City? |
| Yes – reporting it to the City helps enforcement officers prioritize their investigation. |
Where should I place my leaves? |
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Properties in Burlington have different roadside setups. Some include both a sidewalk and a boulevard, while others may have only a sidewalk, or curb. Use the guide below to find out where to place your leaves based on the layout of your property.
Leaves can be placed along the curbline as long as the leaves do not block the sidewalk or catch basins.
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What happens if I make a complaint about leaves blocking a sidewalk, bike lane or drain? |
| If the City receives a complaint, a bylaw enforcement officer will attend the site to investigate. If a violation is confirmed, the property owner will be issued an Order to Comply with a 24-72 hour deadline. If the leaves are not moved by that date, a ticket or court summons may follow. |
I called the City about leaves in a bike lane a few days ago, but they’re still there. Why? |
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It can take a day or two for officers to attend the site and complete their investigation. Once an Order to Comply is issued, property owners are typically given 24–72 hours to correct the issue before further enforcement action is taken. |
Will the City remove the leaves if a homeowner doesn’t comply? |
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Property owners are responsible for moving their leaves to the proper location. The City’s role is enforcement, and it will only collect leaves properly located. |
What if I received a notice, but my collection week hasn’t happened yet? |
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Leaves should be placed out no more than two days before the start of your collection week. Even if your zone collection week hasn’t arrived yet, leaves must not block sidewalks, bike lanes or catch basins. To bring your property into compliance, move the leaves from these areas. If you have more leaves than can fit safely curbside or on your boulevard, bag them for Halton Region’s yard waste collection. |
My notice says I have 24 hours to comply, but I don’t have anywhere else to put my leaves. What should I do? |
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If you’re unable to place your leaves without blocking bike lanes, sidewalks or catch basins, please bag them and set them out for Halton Region’s yard waste collection instead. |
Will the City focus mainly on tickets or education? |
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This year’s focus will be on education and warnings. However, tickets or court summons may be issued if property owners fail to comply after being notified. |
Leaf disposal alternative
If you do not wish to use our loose-leaf collection service, you can also:
- Compost leaves in your backyard composter
- Deliver leaves to the Halton Waste Management Site in paper bags or in bulk for composting
- Mulching leaves to use in gardens, flowerbeds, or on your yard
Bagged leaf and yard waste collection
Halton Region provides bagged leaves and yard waste collection on the same day as your garbage pick-up. This program is separate from our loose-leaf collection and ends in December. For more information, visit Halton Region's Waste Recycling Sorting Guide or dial 3-1-1.
Leaf Collection Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
View some of our frequently asked questions about our loose-leaf collection program.
Where can I find updates on the loose-leaf collection program and schedule? |
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Call 905-335-7777 or email city@burlington.ca. Updates will also be shared on this page and through the City’s social media accounts. |
Why has only half the street been collected? |
| Staff may be finished for the day and will return the next day. |
Why were my leaves not picked up? |
| There may have been a vehicle parked near the pile, or the pile may have had branches and other garden debris in it. If there was a parked car, we will attempt another pick up weather and time permitting. If the pile had branches or other debris in it, you are responsible for removing the leaves. |
Will you still pick up leaves if it snows? |
| This program is weather dependent. If there is a snowstorm or freezing rain, pick up dates may be delayed or cancelled. If this happens, you will need to bag your leaves for Halton Region's yard waste pick up. |
The loaders went by and left a mess. Will they be cleaning this up? |
| If weather permits, a sweeper will follow behind loader crews. This may take one to two days. |
I have a bike lane, sidewalk and no boulevard (I have so many leaves I'd have a hard time fitting them on it even if I did). Where are they supposed to go? |
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Leaves can be placed along the curbline as long as the property owner maintains sidewalk access, bike lane access, and does not obstruct any catch basins. If there are too many leaves to fit in this area, the property owner can consider bagging them for the Halton Region Yard Waste program as an alternative. |
I live in a condo building. Who is responsible for clearing the leaves? |
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If you live in a condo or apartment building, you should check with your property manager or condominium board. Each condo corporation has its own maintenance arrangements and contracts with different landscaping companies. They can confirm who is responsible for clearing leaves and maintaining outdoor areas around your building. If you notice leaf piles accumulating on sidewalks or roadways near your building, you can report it to the City for follow-up. |