Edmonton residents with curbside waste collection can set out yard waste for pickup every Monday from Sept. 28 to Nov. 23, the City of Edmonton said in a news release Thursday. Crews will make two collection days dedicated to yard waste available on Mondays during that period, and residents can find their collection dates online.

The city recommends using clear plastic or double-ply paper bags. There is no household limit on the number of bags, but each should be light enough to lift with one arm to make handling easier for collectors. Yard waste left at a residence by a contractor or landscaping service is also eligible for pickup.

Residents can take yard waste to Eco Stations or the Edmonton Waste Management Centre at no charge. At those sites, materials must be loose or in paper bags; anyone bringing yard waste in plastic bags must empty them on site. The city also says residents can reduce waste by using grass, branches and leaves to improve their yards and soil, with information available at edmonton.ca/Compost.

Elm tree material will not be collected as yard waste. The restriction is intended to curb the spread of Dutch elm disease, and the city asks residents to prune elm trees only during the pruning season, from Oct. 1 to March 31. Elm trimmings can provide habitat for bark beetles that spread the disease, which puts more than 20 per cent of Edmonton’s urban forest at risk.

Pruned elm wood must be burned immediately or taken to the Edmonton Waste Management Centre for safe disposal and appropriate handling. The centre is at 250 Aurum Road NE. More information on Dutch elm disease and identifying elm trees is available at edmonton.ca/DutchElm.

Based on reporting by Edmonton Journal and CTV News Edmonton.