Free Yard Waste Drop-Off Returns in October

The District of Sooke is reminding residents that free yard waste drop-off will be available on four Saturdays this October at the District of Sooke Parks Yard, 2070 Kaltasin Road.

The 2026 fall drop-off dates are:

• Saturday, October 3
• Saturday, October 17
• Saturday, October 24
• Saturday, October 31

Drop-off is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Please note that there is no yard waste drop-off on Saturday, October 10, during Thanksgiving weekend.

The October program is an additional seasonal service offered through the District’s FireSmart efforts, giving residents an opportunity to clear leaves, branches and other vegetation from around their homes as they complete fall yard clean-up.

The service is available free of charge to District of Sooke residential property owners and occupants. Commercial loads are not permitted.

Accepted materials include leaves, grass clippings, branches, prunings and garden debris. Invasive plant material cannot be accepted through the October program.

Residents should be prepared to unload their own materials. The service can be busy, particularly at opening and during peak periods, so vehicles may need to queue before entering the site.

Clearing leaves, branches and other combustible vegetation is one practical way to reduce potential wildfire fuel around your home. Fall is also a good time to clean roofs and gutters, remove debris from around structures and move combustible materials away from buildings.

Sooke Fire Rescue also offers free home and property assessments for residents looking for personalized recommendations to help reduce wildfire risk.

For more information about FireSmart, yard waste disposal and emergency preparedness in Sooke, visit sooke.ca/prepare.

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