Yard waste collection has begun

The Region of Peel's yard waste collection services began April 2 in the Town of Caledon's settlement areas and rural subdivisions.

Yard waste will now be collected every two weeks from April to November only. Refer to page 8 of the 2007 Waste Management Guide or visit peelregion.ca/waste for the Caledon yard waste collection schedule.

Residents living in settlement areas and rural subdivisions may continue to use their large green carts for yard waste collection and set out only. Food waste and soiled paper products should only be placed in the new, smaller green organics bin.

"Yard waste collection is an important recycling program that helps reduce our reliance on landfill disposal," said Andrew Pollock, Director of Waste Management. "Collected yard waste is converted into compost that residents and landscape companies can purchase at Peel's Community Recycling Centres."

Residents are encouraged to mulch grass clippings and leave them on the lawn to avoid generating excess yard waste. Mulching also returns water and nutrients to the soil. Other options for reducing yard waste include putting grass clippings in a backyard composter, and not over-watering the lawn. A healthy lawn requires only half an inch of water, twice a week, to stay healthy.

Acceptable yard waste items, as well as stumps, soil, sod and stones, can be taken to any of Peel's Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) for disposal throughout the year. Dropoff fees apply. Refer to the annual Waste Management Guide or visit peelregion.ca/waste for CRC locations.

For more information on these programs call the Region of Peel at 905-791- 9499 or in long-distance areas of Caledon call 905- 584-2216, free of charge.