Leaf Collection

Call 905-335-7777 or email the City.

Updates will also be shared on this page and through the City’s social media accounts.

Staff may be finished for the day and will return the next day.

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.

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.

If weather permits, a sweeper will follow behind loader crews. This may take one to two days.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Yes – reporting it to the City helps enforcement officers prioritize their investigation.

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.

Place leaves in the grass area between the road and the sidewalk.

Place leaves on the grass or on the road (as close to the curb as possible). Make sure catch basins are not blocked.

Place leaves on the grass. Do not block the bike lane.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.