From curbside collection to composting: your guide to managing fall leaves in Kitchener
As leaves begin to fall across the city, the City of Kitchener is reminding residents about the different options available for managing leaves this autumn. Whether you choose to compost, mulch, bag or rake your leaves, there are several convenient ways to keep your property tidy while supporting a cleaner, greener community:
- Mulch leaves on your lawn by mowing over them and using the natural mulch to help fertilize your grass.
- Compost leaves at home or use them as garden mulch to enrich soil and support healthy plant growth.
- Set out leaves for curbside pick-up through the Region of Waterloo's yard waste program during scheduled yard waste collection weeks.
- Drop off leaves at one of Kitchener's eight leaf drop-off sites, open daily during daylight hours from October 9 to December 4, 2026. Leaves must be emptied from bags, including brown paper yard waste bags, and all bags must be taken home.
- In designated “hot spot” neighbourhoods, rake leaves to the curb for curbside leaf collection. Residents can use the city's online leaf lookup tool to find out if they qualify and when leaves should be raked out for collection in their neighbourhood.
Key dates for 2026 leaf collection
- October 9: Leaf drop-off sites open
- October 17: Hot spot neighbourhoods can begin raking leaves to the roadside
- November 2 to 6: First week of curbside leaf collection for hot spot neighrbourhoods
- November 9 to 13: Second week of curbside leaf collection hot spot neighrbourhoods
- November 16 to 20: Third week of curbside leaf collection hot spot neighrbourhoods
- November 23: Last day for hot spot neighbourhoods to rake leaves to the roadside (by 7 a.m.)
- December 4: Leaf drop-off sites close
Residents are encouraged not to rake or blow leaves onto sidewalks, bike lanes or over storm drains, as this can create safety hazards and contribute to localized flooding.
To learn more about leaf management options, find a leaf drop-off location, or check curbside collection eligibility and dates, visit Kitchener.ca/Leaves
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.