St. John’s yard waste collection, compost giveaway set to begin next week

The City of St. John’s says its seasonal yard waste collection program will begin April 27 and continue through the end of November.

Yard waste will be picked up at the curb on the same day as household recycling. Accepted materials include leaves, grass clippings, plants, shrubs, weeds, and small branches. Twigs and branches must be bundled, while soil and dirt are limited to small amounts.

Officials say all material must be placed in paper yard waste bags that are securely closed and free of tears. Waste placed in plastic bags will not be collected.

Residents also have the option of dropping off yard waste at the Robin Hood Bay Waste Management Facility, where the material is composted on site.

The city introduced mandatory paper yard waste bags in 2018, citing environmental and financial benefits. Since then, more than 7,600 tonnes of yard waste have been composted, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering disposal costs.

Meanwhile, compost produced through the program will be available free of charge to residents starting April 28. The material can be picked up at the facility’s residential drop-off area, which is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents are required to bring their own containers and tools to load compost, and all loads must be properly secured before leaving the site.