Fire Ban in Effect    Read More >
Fire Ban in Effect    Read More >

Chipping Program

Each year the Town offers a seasonal chipping program in both Spring (early March) and Fall (early October), providing residents with the convenience of placing branches curbside for easy collection.

The chipper will only visit your street ONCE, so have your collection out on the very first day of collection!

The program runs for approximately six weeks, and material is not to be placed out more than three weeks prior to collection.

Chipping Dates 2026

  • Residents EAST of Memorial Ave – March 9-27
  • Residents WEST of Memorial Ave – March 30 – April 17
  • Place materials out NO EARLIER than 3 weeks before your collection date.
  • Place materials out BEFORE the first day of collection to avoid being missed.

Yes

Follow the guidelines below for a smooth pickup of your branches:

  • ONE pile per property
  • Small trees, branches, woody shrub materials
  • Maximum pile of 8ft x 8ft x 5ft high
  • Branches under 4 inches in diameter
  • Neatly stacked at the roadside with butt ends facing the same direction

No

  • Grass clippings, leaves, soft plant materials (eg. flowers)
  • Piles in excess of 8ft x 8ft x 5ft high
  • Piles with gravel, dirt, or roots covered with dirt
  • Branches in excess of 4 inches in diameter

How Much Waste Will We Collect?

The following number of piles may be left for chipping during each period based on the size of the property:

  • 1 Pile: Properties up to 0.5 acres (0.2ha)
  • 2 Piles: Properties greater than 0.5 acres and less than 1.0 acres (0.40ha)
  • Properties over 1 acre (0.40ha) may for each additional 0.5 acres (0.2ha) leave an additional pile

What If I Have Larger Volumes of Waste?

Larger volumes and/or sizes of wood material may be taken to:

Regional District of Nanaimo Transfer Station
860 Church Road, Parksville
Call 250.248.5254 for rates and further information.