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How to Dispose of Yard Waste
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.
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
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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.
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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.
Learn More About Service in Your Area
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yard Waste Disposal
Where can I dump yard waste?
Dumping yard waste is illegal in most areas because it can negatively impact the environment by damaging native plants, lowering soil quality and spreading invasive plant species.
These are your best options for legally dumping yard waste:
- Haul it to your local landfill.
- Deliver it to a composting center.
- Drop it at a local yard waste collection site.
Can I mix other debris with my yard waste in a roll off dumpster?
Accepted materials vary by location. In some areas, you can rent a dumpster to dispose of both yard waste and household debris, while others offer dedicated yard waste dumpsters that only accept organic matter. Call our team to learn more about the yard waste dumpsters available near you.
Are there any yard work safety tips I should keep in mind?
Landscaping and gardening projects can be dirty, heavy jobs. Avoid accidents and injuries with these safety tips for working with yard waste:
- Wear long sleeves, pants and sturdy shoes when removing yard waste. Use the appropriate tools for the job you’re completing.
- Wear protective eyewear and hearing protection when using power equipment.
- Drink plenty of water during warm weather to avoid overheating and dehydration.
- Avoid handling chemicals and fertilizers for long stretches of time.
Can I throw yard waste in the trash?
It’s best not to throw yard waste, even in small quantities, in your regular garbage bin without first checking with your municipality.
Many landfills have different rules about what’s accepted, and your local governing body will likely have a clear list of what can and can’t go in your trash bin. As mentioned above, your municipality may already have a yard debris or yard waste pickup program in place.
Have Something Else to Throw Out? Find the Right Guide Below:
Appliances
Electronics
Furniture
Mattresses
Dirt
Bricks
Concrete
Shingles
