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Is Yard Waste Recyclable? What to Do with Grass, Leaves, Branches and More
Find out which organic materials count as yard waste, if it can go in your recycling or trash bins and how to sustainably manage it.Byline: BTB Editor
May 13, 2025 / Time to read: 5 minOne of the best ways to be a more effective recycler? Know what to throw — and where to throw it. Understanding
According to our very own Republic Services recycling managers, yard waste is one of the
What Counts as Yard Waste?
Yard waste, also known as yard trimmings or green waste, is the organic material that either falls into your yard or results from the maintenance of trees, bushes, gardens and lawns. Yard waste includes:
- Leaves
- Branches
- Grass clippings
- Flowers and other garden material
- According to the most recent EPA data on waste generation and disposal in the U.S., yard trimmings account for 12.1% of municipal solid waste generation.
Is Yard Waste Recyclable?
No, yard waste is not recyclable.
Yard waste recycling can be problematic for several reasons. For starters, organic waste can contaminate perfectly good recyclables like plastics or metals. It can also clog or damage machinery at recycling facilities.
Additionally, disposing of yard waste incorrectly — like by throwing it in your recycling bin —means you miss out on the
Still not convinced? Recycling grass and other yard waste may violate local waste disposal regulations. It’s always a good idea to check what is and isn’t accepted where you live.
What to Do with Yard Waste
If you’re looking to implement more sustainable habits into your yard care, then consider these effective methods and tips for disposing of yard waste.
Don’t Trash it
Avoid putting your lawn clippings or
Let it Be
Leaving clippings on your lawn won’t harm the grass so long as they’re not too long or clumped into piles. If you mow your lawn so the grass clippings
Don’t forget about those leaves. Did you know you can also leave leaves where they fall? According to the
Compost
If you
Call in the Pros
If managing your yard waste sustainably feels overwhelming, then it’s perfectly okay to ask for help. Find a local yard waste or composting removal service to help you do good with your yard waste.
Before you gather your leaves and grass clippings for pickup, make sure to follow your provider’s guidelines. For example, here’s how to prepare for a
- Collect your yard waste.
- Put the yard waste in biodegradable bags.
- Place items in a pile near the sidewalk or edge of your driveway. Your pile should be no higher than 4 feet.
- Call to confirm an upcoming yard waste collection day or schedule a pickup.
Keep Yard Waste Out of Your Bins
Taking pride in your yard or garden doesn’t have to lead to contaminated recyclables. Avoid yard waste recycling and dispose of your outdoor trimmings properly. Then, sit back and admire the beautiful — and sustainable — outdoor space you’ve created!
