How to Dispose of Yard Waste

Hero Image With Pile of Yard Waste Next to a Dumpster

The Complete Yard Waste Disposal Guide

While landscaping projects add to your curb appeal, they can also leave you with big piles of debris. Wondering how to get rid of your yard waste? We’ve broken down the most common garden waste disposal options so you can find the best way to clean up after your outdoor home improvement job.

 

What is Yard Waste?

Yard waste is organic debris created by landscaping, gardening, lawn care and other outdoor projects. This includes grass clippings, weeds, sticks, branches, bushes, stumps, plants and leaves.

 
 

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How Much Does Yard Waste Removal Cost?

Yard waste removal can cost anywhere from $0 to $700+ depending on how much yard waste you have and where you're located.

We're going to break down all of the best ways to get rid of your yard waste, but first, let's talk about cost. In general, the biggest factors that will impact how much you spend on yard waste removal are:

  • How much yard waste you need to get rid of
  • How much that yard waste weighs
  • How you decide to trash your yard waste

Cost of Different Yard Waste Disposal Methods

Disposal Option

Cost

Basic Pros & Cons

 
Roll Off Dumpster
 

 
$472 on average, with prices ranging from $279 to $795.
 

 
This is the best option for landscaping and large outdoor projects because you can get rid of a lot of waste all at once! For big projects, this is typically the most cost-effective option.
 

 
Junk Removal Service
 

 
Between $275 to $600 depending on the amount of yard waste.
 

 
This is a great option if you want someone else to do the work for you. But the extra service adds to the cost, so you'll get less waste hauled away for your money than with a dumpster.
 

 
Weekly Garbage Disposal
 

 
Between $0-$100 depending on your municipality's policies.
 

 
Some municipalities offer free yard waste pickup in small amounts. If you have a lot of waste though, they may refuse to pick it up or charge a fee by the bag.
 

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5 Ways to Get Rid of Yard Waste

When it comes to figuring out how to throw away your yard waste, cost is just one factor. You also need to find the disposal option that matches your project, your schedule, and the amount of effort you want to put in. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get rid of yard waste. Let's take a look at five of the most common ways to get rid of it, so you can decide what option is best for you.

1. Rent a Roll Off Dumpster

Renting a dumpster is an easy way to get rid of yard waste. Simply call and schedule a drop-off time and location that’s convenient for you. Then, you can fill the container as you work and have the bin and all your yard debris removed when you’re done. Budget Dumpster offers flexible rental periods, so you can hang onto your dumpster for a weekend or longer and clean up at your own pace. This is also a great option for getting yard debris off your lawn quickly.

Wheelbarrow Next to Roll Off Dumpster Filled With Yard Waste

Benefits

Things to Consider

  • No need to be home for delivery or pickup.
  • You’ll load the yard waste into the dumpster yourself.
  • You can keep the dumpster on-site for as long as you want.
  • In some areas, items like large stumps are not allowed in a dumpster. Call our team to learn about accepted materials in your area.
  • No need to bag yard waste for disposal.
  • An all-inclusive, affordable rate is provided upfront.
  • Offers a guaranteed, scheduled disposal of your yard waste.

How Much Yard Waste Will Fit in a Roll Off Dumpster?

The dumpster size you’ll need for yard waste removal depends on how much debris you have. The average yard waste bag has a 30-gallon capacity, and the most common dumpster sizes for landscaping projects are 10 and 20 cubic yards.

A 10 yard dumpster can hold approximately 55-77 full yard waste bags. A 20 yard dumpster can hold approximately 121-143 bags of yard waste. However volume and weight capacity can vary based on what you’re throwing away. When you call to order, our team will learn about your disposal needs to recommend the right dumpster rental for the job.

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2. Check Your Local Trash Collection Service for Yard Debris Pickup

Your weekly municipal trash service may be another yard waste disposal option. Some cities will pick up small amounts of yard debris if it’s bagged up properly and left on the curb for collection day. Check with your town’s refuse and recycling service to learn more about accepted debris types and how it should be handled.

Benefits

Things to Consider

  • A low-cost yard waste removal option.
  • Not available in all areas.
  • Useful for small amounts of debris.
  • Yard waste needs to be packaged appropriately.
  • Extra work involved is minimal.
  • Collection is often limited to small amounts of yard debris.
  • Removal time depends on the city’s schedule.
Worker Loading Stack of Branches Into Truck

3. Hire a Junk Removal Company

Some junk removal companies can provide yard waste hauling services, but will charge fees based on how much space your debris takes up in their truck. The company will schedule a delivery window and send out professionals who will determine the yard debris removal cost upon arrival. You’ll need to be on-site during the window they provide and have your debris ready for pickup ahead of time.

Benefits

Things to Consider

  • Heavy lifting is done for you.
  • Price is subject to increase upon arrival.
  • Offers a scheduled removal of your yard debris.
  • You must be present for yard debris pickup.
  • Not ideal for removing large amounts of yard waste.

4. Burn Your Yard Waste

Burning yard waste is a quick way to get rid of landscaping debris, as long as it’s safe and legal to do in your area. You should only burn your yard debris in a contained fire pit that’s set at least 150 feet away from neighbors and 50 feet from your own home. Choose a calm, windless day and have someone on-site with access to a hose to monitor the fire the entire time.

Benefits

Things to Consider

  • A low-cost yard waste disposal option.
  • Need to check local regulations before burning yard waste.
  • Minimal effort is required.
  • Environmental concerns of smoke pollution.
  • Fires can easily get out of hand.

5. Haul Yard Waste to Your Municipality's Collection Site

Many cities and towns collect yard waste at certain times of the year to turn it into compost or mulch that is then made available to community members. Your town, city, or village may have specific requirements about what they accept, and when. For example, some municipalities may only accept raked leaves in paper bags for mulch. Others may have more donation options including residential food scraps for composting, or mixed yard waste like lawn trimmings, dirt, mulch, and more.

Benefits

Things to Consider

  • Yard waste disposal is usually free for community members.
  • Need to check local regulations before dumping.
  • Help community members while getting rid of waste.
  • Not all municipalities accept all types of yard waste.
  • Must bundle and haul waste to collection sites yourself.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Yard Waste

Looking for a greener option for getting rid of yard waste? Here are a few ways you can put it to good use.

1. Rent a Wood Chipper

Rent a chipper from your local hardware store, and turn your garden waste into mulch that can be used around the yard. Be sure to cut down any large twigs or stumps and remove rocks from the soil before you begin chipping. On average, you can expect to rent a wood chipper for around $100 a day.

Wood Chipper Filled With Branches

2. Make a Compost Pile

Depending on how much debris you have, composting can be a great way to recycle your yard waste. You can create a DIY composting bin, fill it with your yard debris and stir occasionally to help break it down. Once your compost is ready, you can reuse it as a fertilizer.

Not Sure How to Compost?

We've got you covered! Check out our complete DIY Guide to building a homemade compost pile. Choose from a wire or wood DIY compost bin, or get recommendations for a store-bought compost bin to get started.

If your yard waste includes a lot of weeds or plants, you should think twice before composting it. Plant seeds and diseases can survive the recycling process and continue to grow and spread wherever you place the recycled material.

And if you don’t need a large quantity of mulch or compost, recycling yard waste may not be the best option for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Yard Waste Disposal

Where can I dump yard waste?

Can I mix other debris with my yard waste in a roll off dumpster?

Are there any yard work safety tips I should keep in mind?

Can I throw yard waste in the trash?

Find the Right Yard Waste Dumpster for Your Project

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