Stonewall residents now have until June 17 to toss out their yard waste without limits, after the town pushed back the spring collection deadline. The Town of Stonewall, Manitoba, says the delayed spring weather made it tough for people to get their yards in shape, so the free, unlimited pick-up that started back on April 21 will keep going for a few more weeks.
The extension means no one has to count bags or pay extra during the clean-up. Homeowners and renters can put as many bags of grass clippings, leaves, and garden debris on the curb as they need, as long as the material is in orange, clear, or paper bags.
The town announced the change on May 27, citing the delayed spring weather. Normally, each home is limited to three bags of yard waste per week. Anything above that requires a $2 surcharge sticker, which can be bought at the town office or local grocery stores. The extended unlimited window means those stickers can stay in the drawer for now.
The spring and fall unlimited periods are allowed under the town’s Waste Management By-Law, which gives council the option to waive the three-bag rule twice a year. GFL Environmental, the company that handles Stonewall’s curbside collection, will keep picking up the yard waste as part of its regular service. The town also reminds residents that burning yard waste is not allowed, so bagging it for collection is the way to go.
Once June 17 passes, the three-bag weekly limit will be back in place. Mayor Sandra Smith and council have not said whether the extended timeline might become a regular thing, but for this year at least, the extra time should help everyone finish the spring clean-up without worrying about the bill.
