FAQs
- Leaves and grass
- Construction and household materials:
- Asphalt Products
- Biomedical Waste
- Domestic Waste
- Dry Wall
- Flammable Liquids
- Manure
- Fuel & Lubricant Containers
- Paint
- All Plastics
- Mattresses
- Couches
- Rubber
- Tar Paper
- Tires
- Treated Lumber
- $7.00 Car
- $15.00 Pickup or Utility Trailer
- Larger loads are assessed by staff
Why are we doing this now?
We know that many people in North Saanich feel strongly about this issue. We want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to voice their concerns and help shape the solutions. This engagement is being held now to determine what changes should be implemented for the next burning season (2020-2021).
When is the outdoor burning season?
Currently, outdoor burning is allowed with a permit from November to mid-May on the first and third consecutive Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from sunrise to sunset.
How much does an annual outdoor burning permit cost?
The annual permit costs $25. It permits fires to a maximum size of 3ft x 3ft x 3ft on permitted burning days.
What am I currently allowed to burn?
Green waste (not including grass and leaves) and construction materials (not including prohibited materials).
What am I currently not allowed to burn?
Prohibited materials:
Why am I not allowed to burn leaves and grass?
When grass and leaves are burned, they tend to smoke, rather than burn, and they release chemicals that are harmful to respiratory systems.
Why is burning banned in Dean Park?
The District banned outdoor burning in the Dean Park area due to concerns about housing density and in response to the high volume of complaints that the District received.
The ban applies to the area west of East Saanich Road, south of Forest Park Drive (both sides, including Texada Terrace) to the southern border of the District.
Do the Province's new rules apply?
In September 2019, the Province's new Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation (OBSCR) came into effect. These regulations apply to open fires for land clearing and agriculture, but do not apply to burning green waste for domestic purposes, which is the primary outdoor burning activity in North Saanich.
The new regulations, however, provide some helpful guidance for the District to consider as it considers revising the rules.
Read the OBSCR fact sheet.
What is accepted at the green waste facility?
The facility accepts green waste that is clean and free of debris. Green waste includes branches, grass clippings, garden debris, and stumps which can be loaded/unloaded by hand. Wood waste is not allowed.
What are the fees for dropping off at the green waste facility?
When is the green waste facility open for drop-off?
The facility is open 8:00 a.m. to noon on the first and third Saturday and the second and fourth Thursday of every month.
Where is the green waste facility located?
10180 Littlewood Road (access via Glamorgan Road)
What happens with the green waste that's dropped at the facility?
Currently, the waste material is chipped and stockpiled for compost to create topsoil. The District is looking to add a green waste composting facility to the site.