The Leaf Season is Upon Us…
Bailing, Bundling, and Beyond!
As we enter the Fall season, we would like to take this opportunity to talk about a waste stream that often gets neglected when it comes to educating our customers. That is…your yard debris!
Many people do not realize that yard debris collection is actually considered to be a form of recycling. This can be somewhat confusing as yard debris is not picked up with your Single Stream recyclables, which are separated and baled by material type for reprocessing at a MRF (Materials Recovery Facility). Instead, brush, branches, glass clippings and tree limbs are broken down organically by a bio-chemical reaction at a special facility. Over time, these materials become a new product called compost, that can then be returned to the earth through various applications. Because the yard debris waste is converted to a reusable material, it is considered in our industry to be recycled!
Proper Pick-Up for Proper Disposal
American Disposal Services, Inc. strives to pick up all of the yard debris put out curbside by our customers. That having been said, there are a few guidelines that make it much easier for our crews to handle the collection of this waste stream efficiently, and for the facilities to then process it. The following is a list of some proper procedures that we recommend to ensure a successful pick-up.
What can I put out for yard debris pick-up?
Leaves, grass clippings, tree limbs and brush (bundled and tied),
Christmas Trees, AND pumpkins
Customer Collection Methods
1. Loose in a Container
The most preferred method of collecting your yard clippings, leaves, and small branches is loose in a container(s) that can be lifted and dumped into our truck. Yard debris that is collected in plastic bags must be broken open before the composting process can begin, and for that reason, we recommend that you simply collect it in a “yard debris” labeled reusable container. (Did we mention that you’ll be saving on all of those yard debris collection bags by investing in a few sturdy compost collection containers?)
2. Compostable Plastic Bags
Another accepted method of collection is the use of plastic bags that are certified compostable. These can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
3. Brown Paper Collection Bags
Similar to a compostable plastic bag, a brown paper collection bag, which can also be bought at a local home improvement store, will break down organically with the collected yard debris.
4. Plastic Bags
Although we will always pick up yard debris collected in a clear plastic bag, this is the least preferred method of collection. Plastic is a material that will not bio-degrade at a composting facility. When yard debris is collected using this method, it is dropped off at a facility where people must break open the bags costing the entire process time, energy, and efficiency.
Bundling Methods
In order for us to collect all of the homes on any given route, tree limbs and brush must be no longer than 4 feet in length and 3 inches thick in diameter. These items must be tied with rope or twine in arm length bundles for ease of pick-up. American Disposal Services will collect a maximum of 10 bags of grass clippings and or leaves, and 10 bundles of brush per pick-up. (There will be an extra charge for additional removal of larger amounts of yard debris that must be scheduled in advance through our customer service center.)
Things to Remember
- Items that are either bagged OR bundled should not exceed 50 lbs.
- The following items are not acceptable for yard debris collection: mulch, dirt, rock, shrubs, trees, tree stumps, and sod
