City gives storm debris disposal advice

WEST CARLETON – For those who are on storm clean-up duty, City of Ottawa staff has some advice on what to do with all that debris.

“As the post-storm clean-up continues, the city is working hard to collect storm-related debris,” staff released in a statement today (May 31). “The city picks up both organic debris, such as branches downed in the storm, as well as non-organic waste, such as broken shingles and other building materials.”

There are a few simple tips to ensure safe and efficient debris collection.

Organic storm debris

Please bundle up or stack larger tree and brush debris and leave it by the curb anytime. Ensure it is not blocking any sidewalks, paths, roadways or fire hydrants. Smaller yard waste can be put in yard waste bags, as usual. Dedicated clean-up crews will pick up this debris as they move through the city; this may not be according to your regular collection schedule. The crews may need extra time to collect all the items, so please be patient and leave these items at the roadside, separate from non-organic debris.

Large, non-organic debris

Storm damaged materials, such as shingles and broken lawn furniture, should also be bundled or stacked and placed at the curb. Note that broken glass and any other sharp items that may be a risk for handlers should be wrapped up for safety and labeled as such.

As with the large organic waste, it may take more time to collect all the non-organics but they can remain at the curb as long as they are not blocking paths of travel or fire hydrants.

The city’s landfill site at the Trail Waste Facility, 4475 Trail Rd., is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and this Saturday, June 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will waive tipping fees for residents with storm-related materials.

Hazardous waste

Hazardous waste, such as batteries, un-emptied aerosol containers, propane cylinders, gasoline and some paints, cannot be collected at curbside. Visit the city’s Waste Explorer to learn how to properly dispose of your hazardous materials.

“Not sure what garbage goes where?” staff said. “Visit the city’s Waste Explorer to learn how to dispose of any debris, storm-related or not.”

For updates on the city’s storm response, visit the city’s Storm Recovery webpage.

For more information on city programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 311 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service.