As many trees throughout the community are still shedding their leaves, the City of Sault Ste. Marie is extending curbside leaf and yard waste collection on a week-by-week basis.
The same Public Works staff who collect curbside leaf and yard waste are responsible for winter operations, including sanding and plowing streets, sidewalks, and parking lots to ensure public safety. When freezing temperatures arrive, these crews and their equipment are redeployed to winter control operations.
The City will continue to evaluate weather conditions and update residents if collection can be extended further. This messaging will be provided with as much lead time as possible, understanding that unpredictable weather during this time of year makes long-range planning difficult. At this time, an additional week for Route A has been scheduled for the week of November 9.
Residents who still have yard waste after the final collection period can take it to the City’s landfill site, where leaves and brush are accepted at no charge for composting. The free leaf and yard waste bunker at the landfill will continue to operate on Saturdays until November 15, 2025.
During the winter months, the public drop-off area and the leaf and yard waste bunker will remain open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents may also choose to store bagged leaves until the spring collection resumes.
The final collection date is dependent on several factors, including weather forecasts, temperatures, and ground conditions. The City aims to complete collection before the first significant snowfall or freeze, at which point leaf pickup is more difficult.
Residents are encouraged to visit the City’s website or follow the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s Facebook page for the latest updates regarding leaf and yard waste collection.