A mature cedar hedge turns into more green waste than most people expect. Branches, trunks and roots add up quickly, and a cart collected every second week will not keep pace. A little planning before the first cut makes the job much smoother.
Check the rules before you cut
Some cities regulate tree and hedge work, and the rules differ by city and by the size of the plant. Confirm with your City on any tree or hedge permit before you start. Strata or HOA rules can apply too. If the hedge is shared with a neighbour, talk to them first.
What a cart and a depot will take
Curbside green carts are meant for ongoing yard trimmings. A whole hedge usually needs more than that, so look at depots and other routes:
- Richmond Recycling Depot. The City accepts trees and shrubs, but not stumps or branches over 10 cm (4 in) in diameter. For grass and yard trimmings, residents get up to 1 cubic yard free, then $25 for each additional cubic yard.
- Burnaby Eco-Centre. The City lists small branches up to 4 inches in diameter among its accepted green waste, with a free daily load for residents of up to 100 kg. It lists clean solid wood up to 5 feet long and 6 inches in width and thickness, unpainted and untreated.
- Metro Vancouver and City facilities. The regional centres accept green waste for a fee.
Branch size limits are the common stumbling block. Thick trunks and root balls can run past those limits, and they need another route.
Roots and trunks
Hedge roots and stumps are the part carts and most depots will not take. Our green waste bins can take stumps up to a size limit that depends on your area, so call us to check before you load them. Our organics recycling page explains how green waste is handled in general, and a tree service or a stump grinder can deal with the rest.
When a bin makes sense
If you are taking out a long hedge, a bin keeps the work in one place. We bring the bin, you load the branches and trimmings, and we take it away. Ask about a green waste bin when you book, so we can tell you what fits the load and what to keep out. Our guide to yard waste bin rental explains how it works. For a mix of green waste and general junk from the same project, a 20-yard bin is the common start. See the 20-yard bin page.
No permit is needed for a bin on your driveway. If the bin has to sit on the street or lane, some cities need a permit, so confirm with your City first. We will time the delivery to any permit dates.
FAQ
Can I put a whole cedar hedge in my green cart? Usually not. Carts suit regular trimmings, and depots have branch size limits such as 10 cm (4 in) at Richmond's depot.
Do I need a permit to take out a hedge? Some cities regulate tree and hedge work. Confirm with your City before you start.
Where can I take branches? Richmond's Recycling Depot and Burnaby's Eco-Centre accept branches up to certain sizes. Metro Vancouver facilities accept green waste for a fee.
What bin should I use? Ask about a yard waste bin when you book.