Yard Waste Program

Yard waste season typically begins the first full week of April and runs through the third full week in November (Weather permitting). During that time, we offer a weekly curb-side yard waste program with collection service in certain areas.

Minnesota Statues 115A.03 Subd 38 defines yard waste as “garden wastes, leaves, lawn cuttings, weeds, shrub and tree waste, and prunings.”

Acceptable yard waste includes:

• Grass clippings
• Tree waste (including leaves, pine needles, pine cones, spruce tips, acorns, apples, etc)
• Weeds (all common lawn weeds, lake weeds* are not acceptable)
• Brush, shrubs and branches less than 2 inch diameter and no longer than 4 feet (includes buckthorn)
• Wood chips or mulch (uncolored and colored)
• Garden waste (including fruits, vegetables, pumpkins, cornhusks, etc)
• Straw or hay

All items should be placed loosely in the container, overfilling or packing the container too heavy (over 200 lbs) will prevent safe collection of the waste. Individual yard waste bags should not exceed 40 lbs.

Not accepted:

• Sod
• Lake weeds*
• Tree stumps
• Branches larger than 2 inch diameter
• Rocks
• Lumber and treated wood
• Dirt/soil**
• Manure or pet waste
• Landscape materials (edging, fabric, etc)
• Plastic plant pots or containers

* State regulations prevent the removal, transportation and disposal of many lake weeds. Small volumes of lake weeks from lawn/beach cleanings are acceptable in the cart based programs only. 

** small amounts of dirt/soil with plants and other material may be accepted, large volumes of dirt/soil may disrupt the compost process and are too heavy to safely load into the truck.

Reminder: Minnesota State law (State Statute 115A.931-YARD WASTE PROHIBITION) requires that you use compostable bags for your yard waste. The law was written to keep black plastic out of composting facilities, which creates an organic waste stream free of plastic.

Compostable bags include; Kraft paper bags or compostable plastic bags that are usually clear or a tinted shade of green, white, or pink. However the color is not a sure way of determining the compostability of a plastic bag. Compostable plastic bags must state that they meet ASTM D6400 standards for composting and that they are “compostable”. Not all bags marked “biodegradable” or “degradable” meet the state law. Most home improvement, grocery and hardware stores carry compostable bags. If you don’t see them at your local store, ask an employee.

See if Randy’s offers yard waste collection in your local community