Oshawa has kicked off the bi-weekly yard waste collection. Yard waste is collected every other week on the same day as garbage collection.
The city urged residents to download the new mobile Durham Region Waste App by searching for ‘Durham Region Waste’ in the app store, or visit oshawa.ca/waste for more information on yard waste collection and to confirm collection day. Due to the volume of material at the curb, there may be some delays with collection, said a city statement.
Use paper bags or clearly labelled returnable open-top containers. Residents are asked to secure brush/twigs in bundles no longer than 1.2 metres (4 feet) in length and no heavier than 20 kilograms (44 pounds). Branches must not exceed 10 centimetres (4 inches) in diameter.
Before heading out with a rake please consider the pollinators first. Not all pollinators head south for the winter; many stay right here and winter in dry stems, wood and leaf debris and loose soil.
To allow pollinators a little extra time to emerge as the weather warms, hold off until late spring before:
- Cutting plants back;
- Raking or using a leaf blower; and,
- Adding mulch.
The city also reminded residents that disposing of yard waste in natural areas, green spaces and parks including woodlots, ravines or fields is not allowed. Although yard waste is natural and will eventually decompose, it can smother and kill native plants, spread invasive species, and can lead to erosion. Piles of yard waste can take years to decompose and is unsightly, decreasing other people’s enjoyment of the area. The best way to dispose of your yard waste is to put it out for yard waste collection or in a backyard composter.