3-Week Loose-Leaf Collection Program Begins Monday, Nov. 10

Burlington, Ont.—Oct. 30, 2025— The City of Burlington’s loose-leaf collection program starts on Monday, Nov. 10. Residents are encouraged to check the leaf collection schedule and zone map. Each collection zone will have one pick-up week. Loose leaves placed after the zone's start date are not guaranteed to be collected.

To ensure the safety of collection crews and prevent damage to equipment, please keep the loose-leaf piles free of debris and branches. Leaves mixed with debris and branches will not be collected. In addition, please help prevent flooding by keeping catch basins and ditches clear of leaves.

Reminders to ensure a successful pick-up:

• Rake leaves to the edge of the curb or roadway in a loose pile no more than two days before your pick-up date.
• Do not place leaves in bike lanes, sidewalks, or pathways.
• Do not place leaves over storm drains. This helps prevent flooding.
• Remove basketball nets, cars, and other obstructions from the road during pick-up dates.
• Avoid placing garbage bags, bins, blue boxes, or green carts on top of loose-leaf piles.

Blocked bike lanes, sidewalks or drainage areas may result in fines

New this year, the City has updated its Lot Maintenance By-law (A by-law to amend by-law no. 49-2022) to include fines for leaves placed in a way that blocks sidewalks, bike lanes, or creates flooding hazards. When placing leaves at the curb, please make sure walkways and bike lanes stay clear and accessible for all users. Fines may apply for significant obstructions that block access or visibility.

Collection Tracking Map

The City has an interactive Collection Tracking Map to keep residents informed of progress made by collection crews as they make their way through each zone. The map will be updated regularly throughout the day to show collection progress.

Delays or Cancellations

Residents planning on using the service are reminded that this program is weather-dependent. Freezing rain or snow can cause delays or even cancel the program. Always be prepared to bag your leaves for Halton Region’s Yard Waste Pick-up or mulch them to help your lawns and gardens grow.

If the collection is delayed or cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, residents can call 905-335-7777 for updated information. Updates will also be posted on burlington.ca/leafcollection as well as the City’s social media channels.

After the collection program is complete, any remaining leaves should be placed in yard-waste bags for curbside collection by Halton Region.

As a greener alternative, residents can mulch their leaves with their lawnmower to help feed the soil for the spring.

Burlington is a city where people, nature and businesses thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.

Quotes

Enrico Scalera, Director of Roads, Parks and Forestry

“To ensure a smooth and efficient leaf-collection program this year, we kindly ask residents to keep loose-leaf piles free of debris and any obstructions. Please remember to move basketball hoops, hockey nets, vehicles, and other items from the roadway on your collection day. These simple steps help our leaf collection crews work safer and quicker to ensure leaves are collected on schedule.”

Kerry Davren, Director of By-law Compliance

“The updated Lot Maintenance By-law helps keep our community safe and accessible for everyone. When sidewalks, bike lanes and drains are kept clear of leaves, it reduces slipping hazards and helps prevent flooding. This bylaw amendment is about protecting pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.”

Links and Resources

• www.burlington.ca/leafcollection
• A by-law to amend by-law no. 49-2022
• Lot Maintenance By-law (by-law 049-2022)

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