6 Ways to Dispose of Yard Waste

A day of cutting grass, pruning shrubs and pulling weeds can leave you with quite the pile of sticks and leaves. But how do you dispose of yard waste? Rather than dumping it in your regular trash bin, which may be unlawful depending on your location, try these six disposal methods for the scraps from your backyard.

How to Dispose of Yard Waste Yourself: Haul It

Many municipalities have yard waste collection sites or composting centers that accept organic materials from the public. Hauling your yard waste to one of these designated areas is an easy and inexpensive solution. All you’ll need is a way to transport the load.

Check out your chosen center’s website for instruction and pricing. Some locations, such as Ramsey County in Minnesota, ask residents to sort leaves and grass from trees and shrubs, and some even offer the service at no cost to current residents.

Schedule a One-Time Pick-Up

If you only need a one-time yard waste solution, a scheduled pick-up might be the right choice for you. Some cities have an annual curbside clean-up day. If your city doesn’t offer that option or the timing doesn’t line up with your project, you could schedule a pick-up through a waste management service.

For example, WM’s on-demand service is available for yard waste and regular trash. If you’re taking on a large landscaping project, such as tree removal, a rented dumpster may come in handy. An on-demand service is also great for disposing of Christmas trees.

Hire a Junk Removal Service

The one downside of a curbside pickup is that you have to gather the yard waste and carry it to the curb. To save yourself extra time and energy, hire a junk removal service. A team will do all the heavy lifting for you before hauling it away. According to Budget Dumpster, the average cost of a junk removal service is $297, but the price may vary based on the size of your yard waste load.

Subscribe to a Regular Pickup Service

In addition to the on-demand service, you may consider a regularly scheduled pickup service. You rent a separate trash bin that is designated for organic waste, and set it out on the curb for pickup alongside your regular trash and recycling bins. The scheduled day may be weekly or bi-weekly depending on the company and plan you choose.

So if you’re wondering how to dispose of yard waste without leaving your house or making an appointment, check with your municipality to see which weekly waste management services are available in your neighborhood. WM is one company that provides this service.

Burn Your Yard Waste

Sticks and logs can make decent firewood. Burning yard waste is most common in areas without easy access to composting centers or waste management services. However, the practice increases pollution and risk of wildfire. The legality of burning yard waste also varies based on your location, so if you go with this option, be sure to check your local laws ahead of time.

Ensure that you have any necessary permits and that you follow all safety regulations for yard waste burning and bonfires. Don’t burn garbage or other unsafe items. You may also want to consider recycling or reusing your yard waste.