Extra Yard Waste and Trimmings

Seasonal Unlimited Yard Trimmings Collection

Fall 2026 dates announced mid-September

For six weeks every spring and fall, residents who receive curbside collection from the City can put out extra yard trimmings for pick-up on their regular collection day. This program is weather dependent but usually starts in October each fall.

Set-out Options and Guidelines

Residents can use the following options for extra yard trimmings:

  • Paper bags (no plastic bags allowed) 
    • Please cover if rain is in the forecast
  • Old garbage cans labeled with a Yard Trimmings sticker (PDF)
  • Bundled branches 
    • Tie with twine 
    • Individual branches must be less than 7.5 centimeters (3 inches) in diameter and no more than 1 meter (3 feet) in length

Weight Limit

  • All bundles, bags and cans of yard trimming must weigh less than 20 kilograms (44 pounds) each 

Banned Items

  • Stumps, rocks, sod and soil are not accepted
  • Do not mix food scraps with yard trimmings bags or cans
  • Do not use plastic bags (not even those labeled "biodegradable" or "compostable")

Additional Information

  • Green Carts cannot be placed at the curb before 5:30 a.m. on your collection day during this event, even if they only contain yard waste, as per Solid Waste Management Bylaw No. 4679, 2016. 
  • A separate truck collects the extra yard trimmings and may arrive at a different time than the regular Green cart collection.

United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre

Coquitlam residents can drop off residential yard trimmings and food waste free of charge, year-round at the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre. Restrictions apply.

Accepted Materials

  • Grass clippings, leaves, plants and plant cuttings
  • Tree and hedge prunings
  • Tree branches (maximum 30 cm in diameter and 120 cm in length)
  • Food waste*

*Food waste must be kept separate from yard trimmings, as they are processed differently.

Program Requirements

  • Residential material only – use personal vehicle
    • This program is for materials from residential properties within the City of Coquitlam. 
    • Material from businesses or commercial operations (e.g. landscaping, yard maintenance, debris removal, etc.), will not be accepted. Vehicle type will determine eligibility. 
  • Proof of residency
    • Residents must show a valid driver’s license or a current utility, property tax, electrical or gas bill, to confirm proof of Coquitlam residency.
  • Separate material
    • Yard trimmings and food waste must be separated for drop-off. Mixed material loads (e.g. loads with garbage, free recycling, etc.) must be unloaded separately.
  • Volume and weight limits
    • Food waste: 100 L per vehicle per day
    • Green waste: 1,000 kg per vehicle per day
      • 2,000 kg per vehicle per calendar year

For questions, contact City of Coquitlam by email or call 604-927-4300.