Yard Waste Removal: What to Expect, Costs, and Options
June 30, 2024Summer yard maintenance can help keep things looking sharp, but what do you do with the waste from major yard overhauls? Yard waste removal piles up fast, from grass clippings and leaves to branches and garden debris. Most cities provide services to haul away whatever will fit in a bin or up to a specific amount/size the city allows. But major yard work can leave you with months’ worth of debris to dispose of, creating habitats that attract unwanted critters to your property. What’s the best way to get rid of all that extra debris and protect your space?
What to Expect
Yard waste removal is pretty straightforward, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Types of Yard Waste: Grass clippings, leaves, branches, shrubs, and garden debris are all different types of yard waste. The aftereffects of storms may leave you with bigger stuff like heavy limbs, and tree removals may mean disposing of tree stumps. Regardless of the yard waste you need to clear out, knowing what you’re dealing with helps comply with any rules and regulations.
- Prep the Waste: It would be nice if you could just put the yard waste on the street and walk away, but that’s likely not the case. You should do a few things first. City services may require you to cut branches and limbs down to the maximum allowed height and length. If you need to hire a private company, check with your service provider for details.
- Collection Frequency: Depending on where you live and who you’re using, city yard waste collection might be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
- Composting and Recycling: Many services compost waste, turning it into nutrient-rich soil. This is a great eco-friendly option, but it may come with some stipulations, so be sure you follow any guidelines for composting and recycling yard waste services.
Cost of Yard Waste Removal
The cost of yard waste removal will depend on the job.
- Service Provider: Every company sets its own rates and methods for calculating costs. City services are usually included in your water bill and run regularly. Other companies may charge a flat rate, base estimates on the volume of waste to be removed, or charge hourly. You should always get several quotes and compare them before scheduling a service.
- Volume of Waste: If you cleared out a wooded lot and have a substantial volume of debris, trees, shrubs, etc. that needs to be hauled off, it will be more expensive than someone with a fallen branch in the aftermath of a Texas storm. More waste generally equates to a higher removal cost.
- Additional Fees: Unusual, large, and heavy yard waste may incur additional fees. Tree stumps and large branches might cost more, so ask about that before scheduling the service. Of course, emergency services and requests for same-day service could also incur an extra fee.
Options for Yard Waste Removal
Thankfully, there are lots of ways to get that bulky yard waste off your property and out of your life. If you need more than the city’s services can offer, there are plenty of other yard waste removal options are available.
- Municipal Services: Many cities offer yard waste collection as part of the regular trash pickup schedule. The service may be paid for by local taxes or added to the water bill. Municipal services are a convenient way to dispose of yard waste because you don’t feel the extra cost burden. Your local government website will have details on the pickup schedule, limitations, and rules for yard waste.
- Private Haulers: If you have too much for the city to handle or you can’t wait until the next scheduled pickup, private companies can help.
- DIY Composting: If you have the space, consider starting your own compost pile. It’ll reduce the amount of material you need to remove, and your plants will love you.
- Drop-off Sites: If you’ve got a truck and want to haul it off yourself, look online to locate local drop-off sites. There may be a small fee, but it will be insignificant compared to hiring someone else to pick up and haul off for you.
- Rent a Dumpster: For big projects and major lot cleanups, having a dumpster to collect all the debris can be helpful. Dumpster rentals may include pickup and disposal of the contents when you’re finished with it, so that’s one less thing to worry about.
If you have a yard, you will have yard waste. Dealing with yard waste isn’t the most glamorous part of yard care, but it is necessary to keep your property and home looking sharp. Knowing what to expect, the costs involved, and the different options available, you can make the best choice for your yard project. Effective yard waste management makes a huge difference in maintaining a beautiful yard!
Loads of yard waste weighing you down? Let Dallas Junk Guys lighten your load! Our services are efficient and affordable, whether you have yard waste from maintenance or a major cleanup. Call us for a free quote today!