What you need to know about open burning and yard waste disposal in Windsor

(Source: iStock/Getty Images Plus)

After to responding to over 30 incidents related to improper open burning in Windsor this year, Windsor Fire & Rescue Services has some reminders for residents.

The City of Windsor and fire department are reminding residents to be mindful of open burning regulations and proper yard waste disposal procedures to ensure community safety and compliance with municipal by-laws.

In response to recent incidents, fire officials reminds residents that open burning is strictly prohibited without a valid permit.

“So far, in 2026, our emergency services have already responded to more than 30 incidents related to improper open burning,” says Fire Chief Jamie Waffle.

Cost-recovery charge

Under the City of Windsor by-law that took effect in February 2025, residents found conducting open burns without approval face a cost-recovery charge equivalent to Ministry of Transportation (MTO) rates, currently totalling $583.05 per hour per piece of apparatus (minimum one-hour fee) plus consumable inventory and a 10% administrative fee, plus HST.

This measure aims to recover costs associated with services and dispatch of emergency vehicles. City Council has approved this measure to impose a cost-recovery charge for cases where a citizen’s application has been denied, or the citizen has not requested an open-air burning permit at all but still chooses to proceed with burning.

For further details on permit applications and charges, including updates to the MTO rate, please refer to Open Air Burning – Windsor Fire & Rescue Services.

Proper Yard Waste Disposal

With the arrival of warmer weather, many residents are tidying their yards. Curbside collection for yard waste began in mid-April. Residents can also visit the Public Drop Off Depot, where yard waste can be disposed of free of charge throughout the year.

Ensure yard waste is properly prepared for curbside collection:

• Place leaves, garden waste, branches, brush, tree, and hedge trimmings in approved containers, such as cardboard boxes, paper yard waste bags, or garbage cans.
• Branches cannot exceed 3 inches (7.5 centimetres) in diameter.
• Brush and branches should be tied in bundles no more than 4 feet (1.2 metres) in length and 3 feet (0.9 metres) in diameter and weighing no more than 44 pounds (20 kilograms).
• Do not use wire to tie bundles.
• Loose piles of brush will not be collected.
• Thorny branches should be securely contained to prevent injury.

For more information on yard waste disposal guidelines, residents are encouraged to visit the City of Windsor’s Yard Waste page or contact 311.