Stop Letting it Rot: The Real Guide to Yard Waste Pickup Near You (2026 Edition)
You’ve spent the whole weekend pruning, raking, and weeding. Now you’ve got a mountain of brown bags sitting in your driveway, and you’re crossing your fingers that the garbage man doesn’t just drive right past them. I’ve lived through enough “refused pickups” to know that every city has its own annoying set of rules. If you don’t follow them, that pile of leaves is going to stay there until it turns into a swamp. Let’s look at how yard waste pickup near me actually works in 2026.
How do I find yard waste pickup near me?
Most US cities offer seasonal curbside yard waste pickup from April through November. To find your specific schedule, check your city’s Public Works website or use a private hauler for large debris. Ensure all waste is in biodegradable paper bags or tied in bundles under 4 feet long.
State-Specific Yard Waste Rules (Don’t Get Fined)
Look, the rules in California aren’t the same as the rules in Texas. I get why this is frustrating—we pay our taxes and just want the kachra gone. But if you put your grass clippings in a plastic bag in a state like Illinois, they’ll leave it on your curb with a bright orange “violation” sticker for all your neighbors to see. Talk about embarrassing.
Many states now have strict “Zero Waste” goals. This means you can’t just mix dirt and rocks with your leaves. Dirt is heavy and expensive to process. If you’re clearing a lot of soil, don’t guess the weight; use our soil calculator to see if you’re better off renting a small dumpster instead of relying on the city truck.
| State/City | Seasonality | Bag/Bin Rules | Max Branch Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| California (LA) | Year-Round | Green Bin Only | 4 ft length, 2″ diam |
| Texas (Houston) | Year-Round | Bio-bags or Open Bins | 3 ft bundles |
| Florida (Miami) | Year-Round | Bundled or Binned | 5 ft length, 4″ diam |
| Illinois (Chicago) | April 1 – Nov 30 | Paper Bags Only | 4 ft bundles |
| New York (NYC) | Seasonal/Special | Paper Bags or Clear Plastic | Bundled tightly |
How much does private yard waste removal cost?
If you missed the city’s “Leaf Week” or you have a massive fallen tree limb, you’re going to need a private service. Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK or local haulers usually charge by the volume. A small pile might cost you $100, while a full truckload of debris can hit $500.
Before you call them, calculate your volume. If you’ve been clearing mulch or stone, our mulch calculator can give you a rough idea of how many cubic yards you’re trying to move. Most haulers quote based on how much of their truck you fill, so knowing your “yardage” prevents you from getting low-balled on the phone and high-balled in person.
The “Brown Bag” Myth: Why Plastic is Prohibited
I still see people trying to use heavy-duty black plastic bags for their yard waste. Stop it. Those bags don’t break down at the municipal composting site. The machines that grind up the waste get tangled in the plastic, and it ruins the whole batch. According to EPA composting guidelines, contaminated compost is useless for local farms. Do the world a favor and spend the extra $2 on paper bags.
Quick Answers (Because I Know You’ll Ask)
Can I put dirt in yard waste bags?
No. Dirt is not “waste” in the eyes of the city; it’s fill material. If a bag is too heavy to lift, they won’t take it. For large amounts of dirt, you need a dirt-specific dumpster or a local fill site.
What do I do with yard waste in the winter?
In most northern states, curbside pickup stops when the snow hits. You’ll either have to haul it to a local drop-off center yourself or wait until Spring. I recommend a backyard compost pile if you have the space.
Does yard waste pickup include rocks?
Absolutely not. Rocks will break the city’s grinding equipment. If you’re clearing out an old rock garden, check our home page for ideas on how to reuse them in a new walkway instead.
Is yard waste pickup free?
In most major US cities, it’s included in your monthly utility or property tax bill. However, some private communities may require a separate sticker or fee per bag.
