County nearly complete collection of record brush amounts following ice storm
By County of Simcoe
Midhurst/June 20, 2025 – Since the severe ice storm at the end of March, the County of Simcoe has been working diligently to manage and clean up storm-related debris. Here’s a summary of the efforts and progress made:
Brush totals
- Total material received: Over 20,000 tonnes (context – annual average brush tonnage in regular years amounts to 4,400 tonnes.)
- Over the past three months, the intake is more than four times the typical annual amount.
- More than 24 different crews were procured to support cleanup across Simcoe County
Response measures
The County’s Solid Waste Management Department implemented several key strategies in the aftermath of the storm to assist residents. Firstly, the County began accepting storm-related brush free of charge at all County waste facilities, while also establishing temporary brush drop-off sites in the hardest hit regions as well as extending operating hours. Secondly, the County relaxed rules for curbside collection allowing residents to leave brush of all sizes and unbundled.
In May, the County launched a brush pick-up request system where residents could submit requests via an online portal, phone or email. Over 1,200 service requests were received from all corners of the County through these channels.
Update on timing and next steps
- Chipper crews collecting larger brush items and curbside residential collection crews have visited as many locations as possible, including those that made requests, and have completed their service.
- Residents can still drop off storm-related brush debris at waste facilities for free until the end of June; after which regular fees will be reintroduced for residential drop off.
- Regular leaf and yard waste collection will resume on the week of July 6. It’s important to note that proper bundling is required. For more details, download the Simcoe County Collects app or please visit our website.
Thank you to all residents for their understanding and patience as we sorted through the impacts of the ice storm.