We collect loose leaves from leaf zones across Kitchener every year during the fall. Use our online tool to fine your zone and collection date.
Find your collection zone
On this page:
Curbside collection
We collect loose leaves in neighbourhoods with significant tree cover on a set schedule. If you live in a leaf collection zone, you can start raking leaves to the curb on October 26.
Find the leaf collection options in your area and your collection zone with our online tool.
- Zone A – rake to the curb before 7 a.m. on Monday, November 9
- Zone B – rake to the curb before 7 a.m. on Monday, November 16
- Zone C – rake to the curb before 7 a.m. on Monday, November 23
We will do a final pick-up across all zones starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, November 30. Do not rake leaves to the curb after 7 a.m. on November 30.
How to rake leaves during curbside leaf collection
- Rake your leaves to the roadside by 7 a.m. on the first day of your scheduled pick-up week
- Don’t rake your leaves onto the road earlier than the weekend before the first day of your scheduled pick-up week
- Don’t rake or pile leaves onto catch basins. If you notice a blocked catch basin, call 519 741-2345
Leaf drop off sites
We operate eight leaf drop-off sites during daylight hours between October 16 and December 11
- Schaefer Park - 75 Bloomingdale Rd.
- Breithaupt Park - Kinsmen Park, off Union Street
- Kitchener Auditorium - Ottawa Street North entrance
- Meinzinger Park Soccer Fields - Homer Watson Boulevard
- Lions Arena - Rittenhouse Road
- Southwest Optimist Sportsfield - Pioneer Drive
- Cherry Park - Strange Street at Waverly Road
- Hofstetter Park - 40 Hofstetter Ave.
We only accept loose leaves. No bags or other debris, like branches, are allowed. Plan to take your bags with you after dumping your leaves.
Leaving waste, including bags, could result in fines for illegal dumping.
Yard waste days
The Region of Waterloo has a collection schedule on their website.
Mulching and composting
Yard waste can be used to help your soil and plants grow.
- emptying your lawn mower’s bagging unit and mowing it over again creates a mulch to fertilize your lawn
- rake whole leaves onto your garden beads to feed earthworms and promote growth
- wait until the ground freezes before mulching. It keeps soil frozen during mild spells, protecting your plants.
- add dry leaves to your compost pile – alternate layers of leaves and kitchen waste. Find out more from the Composting Council of Canada