How to Prepare Yard Waste

Leaves

  • Place in plastic bags.
  • Use bags no larger than 33 gallons.
  • Each bag must weigh less than 40 pounds.
  • Include other vegetation such as: acorns, bark, garden plants, grass clippings, pine cones, pine needles, twigs, straw and hay.
  • Sod is accepted if the dirt is removed. Dirt is not collected by either garbage or yard waste collection crews.
  • State law prohibits disposing of yard wastes with the garbage.

Brush and Prunings

  • Pieces of brush and small branches must be less than 3 inches in diameter.
  • Bundle them securely with twine or rope. Do not use wire.
  • Each bundle must be less than 3 feet long and weigh less than 40 pounds.

Make sure to have your bags of leaves and other bundles of brush at your alley or curb line, next to the garbage cart, by 6:00 AM on your garbage day.

Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling recommends that you not bag, but leave grass clippings on your lawn. Learn more about grass clippings.

Other Helpful Yard Waste sites

For additional information relating to Eco-Yard, Composting, Landscaping, Lawn Care, Gardens, Plants, Soil, as well as a Seminar Schedule, call Hennepin County Environmental Services (612) 348-9266, or visit the Hennepin County web site.

Compost Bin Distribution Events - Go to Green Guardian.