The Aware Citizen

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Summertime = Yardwaste!!

Now that it has finally stopped raining, citizens in Minneapolis will be getting out in the yard and cleaning things up. That means leaves, brush, grass clippings and other compostable items will be left out for the yard waste trucks to pick up. Remember the  rules about how to prepare the items for pick up. 

How to Prepare Yard Waste

Leaves and other Vegetation
This includes acorns, bark, garden plants, grass clippings, pine cones, pine needles, twigs, straw and hay.
  • Bag in  paper bags, compostable plastic bags, or place the yard-waste items in a reusable container with handles.
  • All bags must be 33 gallons in size or less.
  • All reusable containers must be approximately 33 gallons in size, no less than 26 inches in height, and have sturdy handles (no buckets or pails).
  • Each bag or container must weigh less than 40 pounds when full.
  • Sod is accepted if the dirt is removed. Dirt is not collected by garbage or yard waste collection crews.
  • State law prohibits disposing of yard waste with the garbage.
Brush and Pruning’s
This 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 AM on your garbage day.
Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling recommends that you not bag grass clippings but leave them on your lawn. Learn more about grass clippings.

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.

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) 348-3777, or visit the  Hennepin County website.Compost Bin Distribution Events – Go to Green Guardian.