Collected leaf and yard waste is composted at the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre. It is important to only set acceptable leaf and yard waste items out for collection. Material in plastic bags will not be collected.
Residents in Petawawa, Pembroke, and Township of Laurentian Valley are being reminded about the proper way to dispose of yard waste this spring. With warmer weather and outdoor cleanup underway, it is important to follow local guidelines for collecting and dropping off yard waste and branches.
Leaf and yard waste will be collected on regular garbage collection days during the weeks of May 5 and May 19. However, residents in Pembroke and Laurentian Valley should note that due to the Victoria Day holiday, their collection day may change. Leaf and yard waste includes leaves, grass clippings, garden plants, and hedge trimmings. These materials must be placed at the curb in reusable containers with the lids removed, cardboard boxes, or paper yard waste bags. Plastic bags, including those labeled as biodegradable or compostable, will not be accepted. Each container or bag must not weigh more than 50 pounds or 23 kilograms.
Branches will be picked up at the same time as leaf and yard waste. Each branch must be no larger than 2 inches in diameter and no longer than 4 feet. Branch bundles must be no wider than 2 feet across and must not weigh more than 50 pounds. All bundles must be tied with biodegradable string, such as twine. Plastic or metal ties are not allowed.
Green carts will be collected on scheduled green cart collection days only. Small, loose branches can be placed in the cart, but the lid must be able to close fully. Carts with lids that do not close because of branches will not be picked up. Bundled branches should never be placed in the green cart, as they cause issues at the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre.
Residents also have the option to bring their yard waste to the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre. Leaves and grass clippings, whether loose or in paper bags, can be dropped off free of charge. Branches of all sizes, tree limbs, and stumps can be taken to the brush pile at the Centre, but tipping fees will apply. Wood chips and sawdust must also be taken to the wood pile, where fees also apply.
Once collected, the leaf and yard waste is taken to the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre for composting. This material is composted separately from green cart waste. Mark Behm, Public Works Manager for the Township of Laurentian Valley, explained that it’s important to keep out materials like plastic bags, ropes, or garden hoses, as they cannot be composted and cause problems at the facility. He emphasized that when residents properly sort their yard waste, the Centre is able to create high-quality compost.
For more information about waste collection and drop-off, residents can visit www.ovwrc.com.
(Written by: Emma Butler)