Proper yard waste collection helps maintain a clean and eco-friendly environment. However, not all yard waste can be included in your curbside collection bin. Understanding what you can and can’t include ensures that your waste is processed correctly for composting or recycling. With this in mind, we at Mickey’s Carting would like to discuss what you can and can’t include in yard waste collection.
What You Can Include in Yard Waste Collection
1) Grass Clippings – Grass clippings are a common type of yard waste and can be included in yard waste collection. Ensure they are dry if they are too wet, as this helps avoid clumping and makes the waste easier to process.
2) Leaves – Fallen leaves are a natural part of the yard’s seasonal cycle and are typically accepted in yard waste collections. Leaves are excellent compost material and should not be mixed with trash or recyclables to ensure proper processing.
3) Small Branches and Twigs – Small branches and twigs (brush) can be included in yard waste collection if cut into manageable pieces (usually under 4 feet long). Larger tree limbs may require special handling or separate disposal.
4) Flowers and Plants – Dead flowers, plants, and weeds can be added to your yard waste bin. These organic materials break down naturally during composting, creating nutrient-rich compost. It’s best to bag invasive plants or weeds to prevent them from spreading.
5) Shrubs and Bushes – Smaller shrubs or bushes, including their branches and leaves, are acceptable in yard waste collection. These should be trimmed into manageable sizes to ensure they fit in your collection bin.
What You Can’t Include in Yard Waste Collection
1) Food Waste – Food waste is not accepted in yard waste collections. While both are organic, food scraps, especially cooked food, can attract pests and disrupt the composting process. Food waste should be composted separately or disposed of via other organic waste programs.
2) Plastic Bags – Plastic bags should never be placed in yard waste bins. Most yard waste facilities require biodegradable bags or no bags at all. Plastic bags can contaminate the waste and impede the composting process.
3) Soil and Rocks – Soil and rocks, which can accumulate during gardening, should not be included in yard waste. These materials do not decompose and can damage composting equipment. They should be disposed of separately at landfills or recycling centers.
4) Tree Stumps and Large Branches – Large tree stumps and limbs that exceed certain sizes are typically not accepted. These items are too bulky for standard yard waste bins and may require special bulk pickup or disposal at a designated yard waste site.
5) Chemically Treated Plants – Plants treated with pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals should not be included in yard waste collection. These chemicals can contaminate compost and harm the environment. It’s better to dispose of chemically treated plants through regular trash or a specific disposal program.
6) Coconut Husk and Palm Fronds – Items like coconut husks and palm fronds may not be accepted due to their slow decomposition rate. These materials might not break down properly in composting facilities and may need to be disposed of separately.
Waste Management & More in Amagansett, Aquebogue, Baiting Hollow, Calverton, Cutchogue, East Hampton, East Hampton North, Greenport, Jamesport, Laurel, Mattituck, Montauk, Nassau Point, Northville, Northwest Harbor & Riverhead in East End of Long Island, New York
By understanding what you can and can’t include in your yard waste collection, you ensure that your waste is processed efficiently and responsibly. Stick to organic materials like grass clippings, leaves, and small branches, and avoid items that may contaminate the process, such as plastics, large branches, and chemically treated plants. Following local guidelines ensures a cleaner environment and contributes to sustainable waste management. Always check with your local waste provider if you’re unsure about specific items, as regulations may vary by location. Call Mickey’s Carting for yard waste disposable services.
