Yard Waste in Paper Bags

Since 2018, the City of St. John’s has required the use of paper yard waste bags for curbside yard waste disposal, given the high economic and environmental costs of landfilling this easily compostable material. 

In three years we've composted 3,000 tonnes of yard waste, that results in a reduction of approximately 93 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (tCO2e), equivalent to taking 28 passenger vehicles off the road for a year, as well as a savings of approximately $200,000 in tipping fees.  

From May to November each year, all yard waste placed at the curb for collection must be in paper yard waste bags. We’ll collect your paper yard waste bags at the curb every second week, on the same day as your recycling. 

You can also bring your paper yard waste bags to the Residential Drop Off (RDO) at Robin Hood Bay. The RDO is open every week Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
What goes in paper yard waste bags?

• leaves
• grass clippings
• plants and trimmings
• branches less than 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) in diameter

 
Bags will be left at the curb if:

• They weight more than 22.5 kilograms (50 pounds)
• Yard waste is in plastic bags
• Rocks are included
• Large branches greater than 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) diameter

 
Learn other yard waste disposal options at CurbItStJohns.ca