Guelph to stop collecting grass clippings, medical waste

The City of Guelph will soon stop collecting grass clippings and medical waste as part of changes to its waste management bylaw.

The city said the updated bylaw also sets things up for waste and recycling collection at apartment buildings and condominiums later this year.

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Waste collectors will stop picking up grass clippings in spring 2020. The city said the collections add unnecessary costs to collection and processing operations due to their weight and volume.

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Composting large amounts can also cause odours, the city said.

The city recommends residents leave grass clippings on the lawn so they can break down naturally “to support healthy lawn growth.”

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Starting in April, the city will stop collection from facilities that create medical waste, such as doctor and dentists clinics, vets and tattoo parlours.

The city said officials have been working with the 30 affected facilities since January to give them time to arrange other waste collection.

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