Free Yard Waste Drop-Off Expands to October as Sooke FireSmart Efforts Continue

As summer transitions into fall, the District of Sooke is continuing to support residents in reducing wildfire risk around their homes with an additional month of free yard waste disposal. 

Every Saturday in October, excluding Thanksgiving weekend, Sooke residents can bring residential yard waste to the District of Sooke Parks Yard at 2070 Kaltasin Road from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The additional October service builds on the District’s popular May yard waste disposal program and provides another opportunity for residents to remove leaves, branches and other vegetation that can accumulate around homes and properties. 

“FireSmart is about the actions we take throughout the year, not only when fire danger is at its highest,” said Sooke Fire Chief Wayne Kennedy. “Fall is a great time to clean up around your property. Removing leaves, branches and other combustible material now helps prepare your home and property for next wildfire season.”  

October Drop-Off Details

• When: Saturdays in October, excluding Thanksgiving weekend
• Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Where: District of Sooke Parks Yard, 2070 Kaltasin Road
• Cost: Free for District of Sooke residential property owners and occupants 

Accepted materials include leaves, grass clippings, branches and pruning, and garden debris. Commercial loads are not permitted. 

Please note that invasive plant material cannot be accepted during the October drop-off program. 

Residents should be prepared to unload their own materials. Depending on demand, vehicles may need to queue before entering the site. Please allow additional time; waits of approximately 10 minutes or more may occur during busy periods. 

Removing dry vegetation and yard debris is one of several practical steps residents can take to reduce potential wildfire fuel around their homes. Other FireSmart actions include clearing leaves and debris from around structures, keeping roofs and gutters clean, maintaining a non-combustible area immediately around buildings, and storing firewood away from structures. 

Sooke Fire Rescue also offers free home and property assessments with personalized recommendations to help residents identify opportunities to reduce wildfire risk, call 250-642-5422 to book. 

The District of Sooke acknowledges funding support from partners, including the UBCM FireSmart Program and the Province of British Columbia. 

For more information about FireSmart, yard waste disposal and the District’s Emergency Planning and Preparedness Program, visit sooke.ca/prepare.