Yard Waste
Illegal Dumping of Yard Waste Harms Fish!
Dumping grass clippings and yard waste in or near watercourses can affect water quality and fish habitat:
- To remain healthy, fish require clean, oxygen-rich water.
- If yard trimmings are dumped in the water, algae and weed growth may increase.
- As a result, the amount of oxygen in the water significantly decreases.
- If the oxygen level becomes too low, fish will become unhealthy or die.
Therefore, it is illegal to dump grass clippings and other yard waste within 30 metres of a watercourse. The Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaw states:
"...No composting or disposal shall be conducted within 30 metres of a watercourse."
Violation of the bylaw can result in a fine of up to $200 per incident.
The Fisheries Act also prohibits the disruption of fish habitat and the dumping of deleterious substances into watercourses.
Streams in Chilliwack are classified according to fish sensitivity. To download a copy of the Stream Classification Map, click here.
Don't:
- Discard yard waste within 30 metres of any watercourse, including ditches.
- Discard yard waste on road sides or other public property.
Do:
- Report illegal dumping to the City of Chilliwack (604.793.2908) if the dumping is on City property or report to the BC Conservation Officer Service Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) Line: 1-877-952-7277 or http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/rapp/rapp.html. Visit our Illegal Dumping webpage for more information.
Are you disposing of your yard waste properly?
Grass clippings and other yard waste should be disposed of by one of the following methods:
Curbside Collection
All residents on the City's Curbside Collection Program receive weekly yard waste collection as part of the Compostables Collection Program. Visit our Curbside Collection website for more information.
Parr Road Green Depot
Located on Parr Road, the facility accepts yard waste and clean wood waste for composting. Click here for fees and information.
Bailey Sanitary Landfill (Compostable Waste Transfer Station)
Located on Matheson Road, the facility has a designated drop-off area for yard waste and clean wood waste for composting. Click here for fees and information.
Backyard Composting
Compost yard waste and fruit and vegetable scraps to create an ideal fertilizer for your garden! Please visit our composting website for more information. Composters are available at hardware and garden stores, and at the Parr Road Green Depot.
Grass Recycling
Leave cut grass on your lawn after mowing to return valuable nutrients to the soil. This can also reduce the cost of your yard waste disposal.