Preparing your Home for Spring
The cheerful early morning sound of Robins and an early sunrise means Spring is here! Getting your home ready for the promise of a carefree, enjoyable Summer usually means preparing your home now. The following hints, tips and suggestions will help you plan your attack to prepare your property for Summer!

Yard Waste In Kitchener-Waterloo
Spring yard preparation usually consists of aerating your lawn, raking up dead grass, trimming and preparing your property for new plant life. After a few hours of general yard clean-up you will end up with a beautifully prepared lawn ready for new, healthy growth, and a pile of dead grass, leaves, and trimmings to dispose of. These items are considered Yard Waste, and are collected and composted separately.

What is yard waste?
Yard waste that is picked up consists of plants, grass, sod edgings, pumpkins, branches, weeds, bush and hedge clippings, pine cones and other compostable yard waste.

What is NOT yard waste?
Yard waste is not to be confused with recycling or composting! Items that are not considered yard waste are kitchen waste, animal waste, tree stumps or branches (exceeding 7.5 cm or 3" in diameter), plastic, glass or other garbage mixed in with yard waste, patio stones, plastic planters, concrete or rocks.

How do the Garbage Collectors know it's yard waste?
Generally, Yard Waste is put out in large brown kraft paper bags, often found at hardware or home improvement stores. Additionally, a garbage can can also be used as long as there is a brightly coloured ribbon tied to the handle. Branches and bush trimmings should be bundled no more than 36 inches in length and weigh no more than 50lbs.

For more information regarding Yard Waste Management in Kitchener Waterloo, please call the Waste Management Division of Waterloo at 519-883-5100, or visit them online at www.region.waterloo.on.ca/waste

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Spring Yard Waste Collection Schedule

For more information regarding the Scheduling of Yard Wasterloo in Kitchener Waterloo, please call the Waste Management Division of Waterloo at 519-883-5100, or visit them online at www.region.waterloo.on.ca/waste

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The following is a basic checklist to prepare your home for spring. By following a regular seasonal preventative maintenance program, you can avoid the shock of larger unexpected home issues that may occur.

• Check and change batteries in smoke detectors
• Inspect the roof for Winter damage, leaks, missing or broken shingles or tiles
• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Paint exterior. What areas need paint? This is a good time to consider a new color trim!
• Check siding for loose nails
• Caulk any leaks or cracks in basement walls and seal
• Make sure all doors and windows close and lock properly
• Wash windows, put up screens and patch any holes
• Remove all debris from yard
• Tune up any motorized lawn equipment! Oil change for lawnmower, install new trimming wire in the weedwacker, inspect water hoses and sharpen or remove any rust from cutting apparatus.
• Clear away any remaining dead foliage and weeds from flowerbeds and lawn
• Begin spring landscaping projects
• Create storage for sporting goods, camping equipment and garden tools in your garage
• Inspect, clean and repair outdoor furniture
• Open windows to ventilate

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In This Issue:
> Yard Waste In KW
> Yard Waste Schedule
> Spring Checklist