THUNDER BAY – There are two items from the City of Thunder Bay today. First, as of 5 pm this evening, the City-wide burning ban that has been in effect since March will be lifted. Local conditions have improved thanks to recent precipitation and Thunder Bay Fire Rescue officials will resume issuing burning permits.
Any burning within the City of Thunder Bay must comply with Fire Regulations including securing a Fire Permit prior to burning. The use of Outdoor Incinerators, Fire Pits, Outdoor Fireplaces and Chimineas are not allowed in the City of Thunder Bay without a permit. Open Burning of brush or grass is not allowed in the City without a permit and only during specific times of the year. Contact your local fire station to obtain a permit. For regulations on burning, visit www.thunderbay.ca/fire.
As you are cleaning up the yard this spring, the City of Thunder Bay’s spring curbside collection of organic leaf and garden waste for City residents will take place between Tuesday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 18 on your regular recycling day.
Leaf and yard waste put out at the curb is added to the compost pile at the City of Thunder Bay Solid Waste and Recycling Facility. The result is a rich soil additive for flower gardens and lawns to beautify Thunder Bay. As a bonus, putting your organic waste out for this special collection helps extend the life of our landfill site by reducing the waste that ends up on the garbage face.
Homeowners may use Kraft (paper bags) or clear plastic bags for garden waste. Paper bags are placed directly into the compost and become compost too. Kraft bags are available at most hardware and grocery stores.
There is no bag limit on leaf and yard waste. Place garden waste at the curb with recyclables on your regular recycling day, as indicated on your waste collection calendars. Look for the leaf symbol on your calendar. Grass clippings will not be accepted. Branches and twigs should be bundled in lengths no longer than one metre (three feet).
Questions about collection may be directed to Transportation and Works Dispatch at 684-2195.