Where and how to dispose of yard waste in Barrie following ice storm

Barrie’s mayor talks about cleanup efforts after a destructive ice storm and what support the city will receive from the province.

Barrie residents hard at work cleaning up branches and debris from the destructive ice storm should be aware about temporary changes to yard waste collection. The City added extra brush collection ahead of the regular spring yard waste pickup, and curbside waste collection has been rescheduled due to the storm and cleanup efforts.

“Cleanup will take time due to the extent of the damage, and we appreciate your patience,” city officials said, noting that additional service measures are in place to speed up recovery.

Collection Changes

With Monday’s curbside collection pushed due to the storm, garbage, organics, and recycling pickup will now take place Tuesday, starting in areas scheduled for Monday service. The City says delays are possible, and residents should leave waste at the curb if not collected on their designated day.

To help with storm cleanup, the City has also added special brush collection ahead of regular yard waste pickup, which begins Monday, April 7.

Crews will patrol city streets to collect bundled brush as soon as possible, though pickups may not align with regular waste collection days.

Residents should bundle brush properly, ensuring it is no longer than 1.2 metres (four feet), no wider than 0.3 metres (one foot) in diameter, and weighs no more than 20 kilograms (45 pounds). Individual limbs must not exceed seven centimetres (three inches) in diameter.

Unbundled brush or oversized branches will not be collected at the curb but can be dropped off at the landfill.

Cleanup Efforts

The storm caused widespread tree damage, making cleanup a major undertaking. City and contractor crews are prioritizing the removal of downed trees blocking roads, sidewalks, and driveways. Parks are also being checked for safety, with hazardous branches removed.

To further support the cleanup, the City is waiving brush tipping fees at the landfill until Friday, May 2.

The landfill, located at 272 Ferndale Drive North, is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additionally, the Recycling Depot at the landfill will open early for the season on Tuesday, and will temporarily accept residential brush debris.