City of Courtenay residents with extra yard waste can use a free seasonal drop-off site at the end of McKenzie Avenue until November 28th.

The program provides an option for residents who receive curbside collection and have more yard waste than will fit inside their organics cart. The site is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Chris Thompson, the City’s Manager of Public Works Services, says the seasonal program offers residents a free and convenient way to manage extra material while supporting the community’s waste-diversion efforts.

The drop-off site is next to the City of Courtenay’s Operations Centre and can be accessed from Cumberland Road, west of the railway tracks between McPhee and Piercy avenues.

Accepted materials include leaves, grass clippings, flowers, plants and small branches measuring less than 7.5 centimetres—or three inches—in diameter. Materials may be dropped off loose or in paper yard-waste bags.

Thompson says keeping yard waste free from contamination is one of the most important ways residents can help ensure the material can be successfully composted.

“Before bringing materials to the drop-off site, please take a moment to remove plant pots, plastic bags and any other non-compostable items,” Thompson said.

All yard waste collected through the pilot program will be composted. Residents who need assistance unloading their material can call City Operations at 250-338-1525, and staff will be available to help.

More information about the seasonal drop-off and curbside organics collection is available at City of Courtenay.