What counts as yard waste?
Yard waste, also called green waste, is plant material from your yard. Many states ban it from regular landfill disposal, so most dumps send it to a separate compost or mulch area. Because it gets turned into mulch, dropping it off is often cheaper than trash, and many cities take it free from residents.
Common examples
- Grass clippings and leaves
- Branches, brush and hedge trimmings
- Small logs and tree limbs
- Garden plants and weeds
- Christmas trees (with lights and stands removed)
- Untreated wood and pallets at some sites
Usually not included
- Plastic bags (many sites require paper bags or loose loads)
- Rocks, dirt and sod at many sites
- Treated or painted wood
- Large stumps at some sites
- Trash mixed into the load
How to prepare your load
- Use paper yard bags or bring it loose. Many sites reject plastic bags.
- Cut branches to a manageable length.
- Keep yard waste completely separate from trash.
- Remove lights, wire and tree stands from Christmas trees.
What it usually costs
Often lower than trash, and free for residents in many cities. Some sites charge a flat fee per load or a lower per-ton rate.
Rules and prices vary by site. Check the page for the dump you plan to use, and call before you go.
Common questions
Can I put yard waste in plastic bags?
Often no. Many compost sites only accept paper yard bags or loose material because plastic contaminates the compost.
Is yard waste drop-off free?
In many cities it is free for residents. Elsewhere it is usually cheaper than dumping trash.
Verified sites that accept yard waste
Sites we've checked against official sources. Always confirm before you go.