How to Prepare Yard Waste
Leaves and other Vegetation
Includes acorns, bark, garden plants, grass clippings, pine cones, pine needles, twigs, straw and hay.
- Bag in Kraft paper bags, compostable plastic bags, or place unbagged in a sturdy reusable container with handles. Compostable plastic bags must have the logo on the right to be accepted for collection.
- All bags must be 33 gallons in size, or less.
- All containers must be 32-38 gallons in size, no less than 26 inches in height, and have sturdy handles (no buckets, pails or collapsable containers). An example of an acceptable reusable container is on the right.
- Each bag or container must weigh less than 40 pounds.
- Sod is accepted if the dirt is removed. Dirt is not collected by garbage or yard waste collection crews.
- Minnesota State law, 115A. 931(a), prohibits disposing of yard waste with the garbage.
You may order yard waste stickers for your reusable container (shown on the right) by calling Solid Waste & Recycling at 612-673-2917.
Solid Waste & Recycling is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen reusable containers.
Brush and Prunings
Includes pieces of brush and small branches that are less than 3 inches in diameter and less than 3 feet long.
- Bundle them securely with twine or rope. Do not use wire.
- Each bundle must be less than 3 feet long.
- Each bundle must weigh less than 40 pounds.
Make sure to have your reusable containers, bags or bundles of yard waste at your alley or curb line, next to the garbage cart, by 6:00 a.m. on your garbage day.
Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling recommends that you not bag grass clippings but leave them on your lawn. This practice is known as grasscycling. Learn more about grasscycling.
Why the ban on plastic yard waste bags?
- Minnesota State Law (115A.931) prohibits using conventional plastic bags for yard waste. The change went into effect during the 2012 yard waste season.
- Conventional plastic bags increase processing cost and result in lower quality compost.
Where can I purchase compostable bags?
- Most hardware and retail stores carry Kraft paper lawn and leaf bags and compostable plastic yard waste bags.
- When purchasing compostable plastic bags, be sure they are BPI certified. The logo ensures the compostable plastic bags will be accepted by our crews and that they will fully and safely break down in the composting process. You will not find the logo on Kraft paper bags.
Save Time and Money
Yard waste that is not properly prepared cannot be collected by your yard waste crew. If you take time to correct the problem, we will resume service on your next scheduled pickup day. If not you will be required to pay an additional fee for cleanup.
Last updated Apr 13, 2020
