They can usually avoid missed pickups and extra fees by knowing what counts as “green waste,” how to set it out, and what items are never accepted.
What does “green waste” usually mean?
green waste pick up services typically mean the collection of organic yard and garden material that comes from routine outdoor maintenance. It is usually collected separately because it can be processed and turned into mulch or compost.
Most services focus on plant-based material only, not household food waste or construction debris.
What items are typically included in green waste pickup?
Most green waste programs accept common yard trimmings and seasonal plant debris. If it grows in a yard or garden, it often qualifies.
Typical accepted items include:
- Grass clippings
- Leaves and pine needles
- Small branches and twigs (often with size limits)
- Shrub and hedge trimmings
- Weeds and garden plants
- Flowers and deadheading waste
- Small amounts of bark or untreated wood chips (sometimes)
Are branches, brush, and tree trimmings included?
They are often included, but only if they meet length, diameter, and bundling rules. Many services set limits because thick wood can jam equipment and slows processing.
If the material is oversized, they may require bundling, cutting into shorter lengths, or using a separate bulk pickup or drop-off site.
Do services include bagged leaves and grass clippings?
They usually do, but bag type and weight limits matter. Some providers require compostable paper yard bags, while others allow loose material in a dedicated bin.
Plastic bags are commonly rejected because they contaminate composting streams and create sorting delays.
Are weeds and invasive plants accepted?
Many programs accept weeds, but some restrict invasive species or seeding weeds. The concern is that seeds and hardy roots can survive processing and spread.
If invasive plants are a problem in their area, the provider may require those plants to be bagged separately, landfilled, or taken to a designated facility.
What is not included in green waste pickup?
Green waste pickup is not a catch-all for anything organic-looking. Most services exclude materials that contaminate compost, create safety hazards, or belong in another waste stream.
Commonly excluded items include:
- Plastic bags, liners, or packaging
- Pet waste, cat litter, and animal bedding
- Soil, rocks, gravel, and sod (often excluded or limited)
- Treated or painted wood, plywood, and sawdust
- Lumber scraps and construction debris
- Food waste (unless a separate organics program exists)
- Diseased plants (some programs exclude them)
- Large stumps, logs, and heavy branches beyond size limits
Do they take dirt, sod, and heavy landscaping material?
Usually not, or only in small amounts. Dirt and sod add weight, damage collection equipment, and reduce compost quality.
If they recently removed turf or dug up beds, they often need a special pickup, a rented dumpster for inert material, or a landscape supply yard that accepts clean fill.
Are food scraps included in green waste pickup?
Most green waste pickup programs focus on yard waste only. Food scraps are typically handled under a separate curbside organics service with different carts and contamination rules.
If their local provider offers “organics,” they should confirm whether it includes both food and yard waste, and whether compostable liners are allowed.
What containers and bags are included or required?
Most services require one of three setups: a dedicated green bin, paper yard bags, or bundled brush. Some programs provide the bin as part of service, while others charge a one-time fee or replacement cost.
They should check the rules for:
- Bin size and lid closure requirements
- Bag material (paper vs plastic)
- Maximum weight per container or bag
- Whether brush must be tied with twine
How often is green waste pickup scheduled?
Scheduling varies by city and hauler, but weekly or biweekly service is common during growing seasons. Some areas switch to less frequent pickups in winter or pause service entirely.
If they set out material on the wrong week, it may be left at the curb and considered contamination or overflow.
Are there limits on how much green waste they can set out?
Yes, most providers set volume, weight, and bundle limits. The goal is to keep routes safe, predictable, and affordable.
Common limits include:
- A maximum number of bags or bundles per pickup
- Branch diameter and length caps
- A requirement that bin lids fully close
- Extra fees for overflow or excess set-outs
Do they offer bulk pickup for major yard cleanups?
Some do, but bulk pickup is often a separate service with an appointment, fee, or seasonal event. This is common after storms, heavy pruning, or major landscaping work.
If they have a large pile, they may need a one-time yard waste dumpster, a special collection request, or a drop-off at a composting facility.
What happens to green waste after pickup?
It is typically taken to a composting or processing facility where it is shredded, screened, and turned into compost or mulch. Clean loads help produce higher-quality finished material.
If contamination is high, a load may be rejected, landfilled, or charged back to the route, which can lead to stricter enforcement.
How can they avoid contamination and missed pickups?
They can usually avoid problems by following the provider’s set-out rules and keeping non-yard items out of the green stream. Small mistakes, like a plastic bag of leaves, can cause an entire cart to be tagged and left behind.
A simple checklist helps:
- Keep plastic, pet waste, and trash out
- Use approved bags or the correct cart
- Cut and bundle branches to spec
- Set carts out on time with lids closed
- Keep loads light enough for safe handling
What should they confirm with their local provider before the first pickup?
They should confirm accepted items, bag rules, branch limits, service frequency, and whether food scraps are included. These details change by location and are the difference between a smooth pickup and repeated rejections.
If they want the fastest answer, they can look up their provider’s “yard waste” or “organics” guidelines and match their yard material to the accepted list before setting it out.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is green waste pickup and what types of materials are typically accepted?
Green waste pickup is a curbside service that collects yard and garden waste such as grass clippings, leaves, small branches, shrub trimmings, weeds, flowers, and sometimes small amounts of bark or untreated wood chips. These materials are composted or processed instead of being sent to landfill.
Are branches and tree trimmings accepted in green waste pickup programs?
Yes, branches, brush, and tree trimmings are often accepted but must meet specific length, diameter, and bundling requirements set by the local provider to prevent equipment jams and ensure efficient processing. Oversized materials may require separate bulk pickups or drop-off at designated sites.
Can I include bagged leaves and grass clippings in green waste pickup?
Most services accept bagged leaves and grass clippings if they follow guidelines such as using compostable paper yard bags or placing loose material in dedicated bins. Plastic bags are generally rejected because they contaminate the composting stream and cause sorting delays.
Are food scraps included in green waste pickup services?
Typically, food scraps are not included in green waste pickup programs focused on yard waste. Food scraps are usually handled through separate curbside organics services with different carts and contamination rules. It’s important to check with the local provider whether their organics program includes both food and yard waste.
What items are not accepted in green waste pickup programs?
Items commonly excluded from green waste pickup include plastic bags or packaging, pet waste, cat litter, animal bedding, soil, rocks, gravel, sod (often limited), treated or painted wood, lumber scraps, construction debris, food waste (unless separately collected), diseased plants (in some programs), large stumps, logs, and heavy branches beyond size limits.
How can I avoid missed pickups or contamination issues with green waste collection?
To avoid missed pickups and contamination fees, follow your provider’s set-out rules carefully: use approved containers like dedicated green bins or paper yard bags; bundle branches according to specifications; keep plastic bags, pet waste, trash, and non-yard items out of the green waste stream; ensure bin lids close fully; and adhere to volume and weight limits.
See Also: Firewood storage: best practices for safety and longevity.
