Leaf Collection FAQs

Program Questions

Guidelines

Saanich Leaf Mulch

Farm Status

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Program Questions

When does the leaf program start?
The leaf program usually starts around the end of October or early November and runs through mid-December.  The schedule and reminders will be available through our greener garbage reminders and app.  We’ll be using this as our main communication tool with reminders sent out approximately a week before your collection period and schedules that will be updated periodically throughout the program. 

During the program there are 2 scheduled collections.  Generally our first collection passes start end of October through mid-November.  Check your collection calendar for your approximate dates.   

Reminder – leaves should be raked up for the first day of your collection period as crews may come by anytime during the collection period.

How many times will you come to my street?
We offer two curbside leaf collection passes along residential streets usually starting the end of October or early November through mid-December.  Check your collection calendar for your approximate dates.

Reminder – leaves should be raked up for the first day of your collection period as crews may come by anytime during the collection period.

Why did my pile get missed & the rest of the street was picked up?
There could be any one of a number of reasons such as:

  • There may have been a vehicle obstructing access to your leaves at the time we were collecting.
  • Leaf collection is for leaves only, are there things mixed in with your leaves?
  • Leaves may have been too far away from the road for our trucks to access.
  • Leaves may have been in bags.  Our equipment is not capable of picking up leaves in any sort of bag.

What do I do if my leaves weren't picked up?
You can drop them off at the public works yard recycling drop off at 1040 McKenzie Avenue.  Please check our website for drop off hours of operation.

  1. You can put them in your organics cart for bi-weekly collection.
  2. You can check your schedule for your next leaf collection pass.

Where can I bring my leaves?
For a small amount of leaves, you can place your leaves in your organics cart for collection.  For larger amounts, you’re welcome to bring your leaves to the public works garden recycling drop off at 1040 McKenzie Avenue.  Please check our website for drop off hours of operation.

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Guidelines

Can I put a tarp on top of my leaves?
Yes, you can tarp your leaves.  If it’s windy we actually recommend this as it helps prevent leaves from blowing all over the street or back onto the yard.  Please put some weight on the tarp to prevent it from blowing away (rocks, paving stone, piece of firewood, etc).  We’ll remove the tarp prior to collecting your leaves.

Can I leave the tarp underneath my leaves?

No, once you drag your leaves to your collection area, place the tarp ON TOP of your leaves and not underneath.  If the tarp remains underneath the leave pile, it may get sucked up by our hose and bind up the machine causing delays in collection.

Can I put the leaves in brown paper or plastic bags?
No, we won’t be able to collect leaves if they’re in any sort of bag, our hoses aren’t equipped for this.  Leaves should be raked in rows and piles, not more than 1 meter from the road.

If you’re worried about leaves blowing away we recommend that you cover them with a tarp.  Please put some weight on the tarp to prevent it from blowing away (rocks, paving stone, piece of firewood, etc).  We’ll remove the tarp prior to collecting your leaves.

Can I combine my leaves with my neighbours leaves?
Sure but check that your neighbour's okay with that! Keep in mind not to obstruct any catch basins, sidewalks, bike lanes or roadways.

Can my leaves go into my compost bin?
Yes, you can put leaves in your green organics cart along with yard and garden waste including tree needles and cones.

Can I put my leaves on the road?
That depends.  You can as long as they’re not obstructing the roadway, catch basins, driveways, the sidewalk or bike lane.

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 Saanich Leaf Mulch

Where can I pick up leaves or leaf mulch?
We drop off free leaf mulch for residential use on a first-come, first-served basis at the parking lot of three Saanich parks: PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park), Hyacinth and Playfair.  General rule of thumb we’ll have leaf mulch at each of the parks for Saturday’s while the leaf collection program is running.  Please check our website for specific drop off locations.

How much mulch is dropped off?
Through the end of October/early November to mid-December, we do our best to drop off 20+ yards of mulch for Saturday mornings at each of the Saanich park locations, PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park), Hyacinth and Playfair.

Please check our website for specific drop off locations.

When and how often is mulch dropped off? 
There’s no set schedule although we do our best to have mulch at the three park locations (PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park), Hyacinth and Playfair) for Saturday mornings through end of October/early November to mid-December. 

Please check our website for specific drop off locations.

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Farm Status

How do I get mulch if I have Farm Status?

A large percentage of the product is committed to Saanich Parks and Public Works and various community projects however, we often have surplus leaf mulch available.  For this reason, we post an Expression of Interest for parties wishing to receive surplus leaf mulch on our website mid-September. 

How do I apply for Farm Status?
Contact BC Assessment 1-866-825-8322.

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