Yard waste collection programs manage organic materials from landscape maintenance, separating them from the general waste stream. The primary goal is to divert biodegradable materials from landfills so they can be processed into nutrient-rich compost or mulch. Utilizing the bin correctly ensures the final product is clean and the processing equipment remains functional. Compliance with local guidelines about what is accepted is necessary to maintain the integrity of the composting process.
Acceptable Soft Plant Matter
Soft, pliable, and easily decomposed plant matter is the most common material accepted in a yard waste bin. This includes daily trimmings from lawn and garden care, which break down quickly in commercial composting facilities. Grass clippings are universally accepted due to their rapid decomposition rate. Leaves, whether raked loosely or placed in approved paper bags, are also acceptable, providing a valuable source of carbon for the composting blend.
Soft garden debris, such as spent annual flowers, non-woody vegetable remnants, and garden weeds, can be placed in the bin. Pine needles and pine cones are also generally accepted, as their smaller size allows them to be incorporated into the compost or ground up for mulch.
Acceptable Woody and Structural Debris
Harder, more structural materials like small tree limbs and brush are acceptable but require specific preparation to fit processing equipment. These woody materials are typically processed into wood chips or mulch, requiring them to be a manageable size for industrial chippers. Small branches, twigs, and hedge trimmings are acceptable, provided they meet local diameter and length restrictions.
Most programs require individual branches to be no more than four inches in diameter and cut to a maximum length between three and five feet. Exceeding these size limits can damage the mechanical sorting and grinding machinery. If a log or limb is too large for the bin, it must be bundled and tied for manual collection, adhering to the same size restrictions.
Materials That Must Be Excluded
Preventing contamination is critical, requiring several common yard and household items to be excluded.
Items That Damage Equipment
Rocks, stones, and concrete are forbidden because they can severely damage industrial grinding equipment. Soil and dirt are also excluded because they add unnecessary weight and introduce excessive mineral content, which disrupts the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio necessary for successful composting.
Contaminants and Pathogens
Treated or painted wood, including lumber, is prohibited because chemical preservatives contaminate the final compost product, making it unsuitable for garden use. Animal waste, such as pet litter or manure, is excluded due to the potential for pathogens that are not reliably neutralized in large-scale composting operations. Food scraps are often excluded from traditional yard waste bins to prevent pest attraction and odor issues.
Non-Compostable Materials
Plastic bags, even those labeled “biodegradable” or “compostable,” are frequently banned because they fail to break down quickly enough, causing plastic contamination. Noxious or poisonous weeds, such as Poison Ivy, must also be excluded to prevent their spread through the finished compost. Any material that is not organic plant matter, like metal, plastic, or household trash, must be kept out to ensure purity.
Preparation and Containment Requirements
Proper preparation of yard waste is necessary for safe and efficient collection. Weight limits are strictly enforced; most individual containers, bags, or bundles must weigh no more than 40 to 75 pounds when full. This limit protects collection workers from injury and matches the capacity of automated lifting equipment.
Soft materials like grass and leaves should be placed loosely in the designated bin or in paper yard waste bags, as paper is easily composted. If bundling branches, they must be tied securely with natural twine or rope, not plastic or metal wire, to maintain the integrity of the compost stream. The bin’s lid must be closed completely to prevent spillage during transport and to keep excessive moisture out, helping manage the weight.