You can set out yard waste at the curb for pick up on your regular collection day on designated special collection weeks. You can find more information on designated collection weeks on our Collection Schedule Page.
Real Christmas trees can be dropped off during the month of January, or set at the curb during the year’s first brush collection week.
Brush collection requirements
Brush must be separated from yard waste and tied in bundles using compostable material (such as jute or twine) or placed in a container. Containers must be rigid plastic without a lid, have drainage holes, and be marked on two sides with an ‘X’.
Individual bundles and containers must not exceed 22 kg (48 lb) each. Brush is not collected in paper or plastic bags.
Collection limit of 10 bundles or containers applies.
Brush must be set out no later than 7 a.m. on your designated collection day, and no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before.
Acceptable Brush
Accepted brush includes:
- Branches up to 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter and up to 1 metre (4 feet) in length
- Twigs
- Hedges (root balls removed)
- Shrubs (root balls removed)
- Rose bushes (root balls removed)
- Vines (root balls removed)
- Sticks
- Corn Stalks
- Pinecones (must be in a brush container or a container on its own)
Unacceptable Brush
Unaccepted brush includes:
- Yard Waste mixed with brush
- Brush in paper bags
- Ferns
- Tree Trunks
- Stumps
- Mulch
- Stump Grindings
- Root Balls
- Clay
- Feces
Why can’t I set out my brush (sticks) in paper bags for collection?
Brush (sticks) are not collected in compostable bags because the brush is not composted. The brush is ground into mulch or woodchips. Yard waste (grass and leaves) collected in paper bags, is composted. Meaning, it is processed so that the biodegradable bags have time to breakdown with the grass and leaves.
Christmas trees
Trees can be dropped off for free at Transco Recycling, 387 McGregor Sd Rd. during the month of January. Please visit www.transcorecycling.com or call 519-332-4045 for more information including hours of operation. Christmas Trees can also be set at the curb during the first brush collection week on April 21 to 25.
Only real Christmas trees can be dropped off or collected, fake trees are not accepted.
Christmas trees that are bagged, wrapped in plastic, or have any attachments such as a tree stand or decorations will not be collected.
Missed collections
Questions related to missed collections and items left at the curb can be directed to the City’s waste contractor, Marcotte Disposal, at 519-339-9988 or cityofsarnia@marcottedisposal.com.
Brush can be dropped off free at the Sarnia Compost Site. Drop off is available to Sarnia residents only, identification as proof of residency required.