Burlington changed its leaf rules in 2025. Leaves are still collected loose at the curb, but piles that spill onto sidewalks, bike lanes or storm drains can now be ticketed. Add Halton's bag rules for everything else, and the fall cleanup needs a bit more care than it used to. Here is what it costs and how to stay on the right side of the rules.
2026 yard cleanup prices in Burlington
| Cleanup | Typical 2026 price | When |
|---|---|---|
| Spring cleanup | $280 - $650 | Mid April to early May |
| Fall cleanup with leaf removal | $320 - $850 | Late October to late November |
| Neglected or overgrown yard, one-time | Quoted on site | Any time the ground is not frozen |
The price depends on lot size, how many big trees drop on the yard, and how many beds there are. Aldershot, Roseland and the lakeshore have large lots under old maples and oaks, often at the top of the range. Millcroft, Orchard and Alton Village yards with younger trees are usually quicker. Hauling is included, or we can place leaves at the curb correctly for your zone's pickup if you prefer.
Burlington's loose leaf collection
The City's loose leaf collection divides Burlington into three zones, each with its own week:
| Zone | 2026 collection dates |
|---|---|
| Zone 1 | November 9 to 13 |
| Zone 2 | November 16 to 20 |
| Zone 3 | November 23 to 27 |
The City's leaf collection tracker map shows which zone you are in and how far crews have got each day. The rules for the piles:
- Place leaves at the curb, shoulder or boulevard no more than two days before your zone's dates.
- Leaves only: no branches or other garden debris.
- Not in the ditch in front of the house, and not over catch basins.
- No garbage bags, bins, blue boxes or green carts on top of the pile.
- Move parked cars, basketball nets and sports equipment away from the pile, or the crew may have to skip it.
Leaves put out after your street has been done are not picked up. Mulch them into the lawn or bag them for Halton's yard waste collection.
The new leaf fines
In 2025 Burlington updated its Lot Maintenance By-law 049-2022 so by-law officers can act on leaf piles that block sidewalks or bike lanes, crowd traffic lanes, or cover catch basins, storm drains and ditches and create a flooding risk. The City asked for a $150 fine per offence, and after a season of education and warnings, full enforcement is expected in 2026.
In practice, that means a neat pile on the boulevard, not a drift across the sidewalk, and never over the drain at the end of the driveway. If a crew or landscaper blows leaves to the curb for you, check where they end up. We keep piles off sidewalks, bike lanes and drains, and clear leaves already sitting on a catch basin.
Bagged leaves and other yard waste
Halton Region collects bagged leaves and yard waste every other week on garbage day, from April into December. Use paper yard waste bags or lidless containers with Halton's yellow label, no heavier than 23 kg and no larger than 125 litres, with brush tied in bundles no larger than 2 m by 1 m. Put it out by 7 a.m., and not before 5 p.m. the evening before. You can also take leaves to the Halton Waste Management Site in paper bags or in bulk, compost them, or mulch them into the lawn and beds.
What a cleanup includes
- Fall: leaves cleared from lawn, beds, under shrubs and along fences; collapsed perennials cut back; the last mow if booked; leaves mulched where light, the rest hauled away or placed for your zone.
- Spring: winter debris and fallen branches picked up; last year's stems cut back; beds weeded and edged; lawn lightly raked; everything hauled away.
Pruning, mulch and aeration can be added to either visit. For weekly mowing afterwards, see our Burlington lawn care page.
Timing in Burlington
- Fall: book the cleanup for the days just before your zone's collection week, so the pile goes out at the right time and is not sitting for a week.
- Late leaves: oaks and some maples drop into December. Plan on bagging or a second visit for those.
- Spring: mid April to early May, once the lawn is firm. Lakeshore yards often dry out sooner than those higher up near the Escarpment.
Where we do cleanups in Burlington
Aldershot, Roseland, downtown, the lakeshore, Tyandaga, Brant Hills, Headon Forest, Millcroft, Orchard and Alton Village. For overgrown cedars on the same visit, see Burlington hedge trimming.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard cleanup cost in Burlington?
About $280 to $650 in spring and $320 to $850 in fall with leaf removal, hauling included.
When is leaf collection in Burlington in 2026?
Zone 1 November 9 to 13, Zone 2 November 16 to 20, and Zone 3 November 23 to 27.
Can I get fined for leaves in Burlington?
Yes. Since 2025 the Lot Maintenance By-law allows fines for leaves that block sidewalks or bike lanes or cover drains and ditches.
How early can I put leaves at the curb in Burlington?
No more than two days before your zone's collection dates.
What do I do with leaves after my zone is done?
Mulch them, compost them, bag them for Halton's yard waste pickup, or take them to the Halton Waste Management Site.
What are Halton's yard waste bag rules?
Paper bags or lidless containers with the yellow label, up to 23 kg and 125 litres, brush in bundles up to 2 m by 1 m.