GOV
Yard Waste
Yard waste including grass, leaves, and limbs can be recycled - Large branches and Christmas tree disposal
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Overview
To reduce waste in Missouri, state law has banned yard waste from landfills.
Yard waste can be easily recycled at home.
- Recycle grass clippings by letting them lie on the lawn, they will decompose quickly and return valuable nutrients to the soil.
- Compost leaves, grass, and other organic yard waste.
- Mulch yard waste by spreading leaves or grass clippings around trees and in planting beds.
Yard Waste is Seasonal
The City of St. Louis operates a weekly collection service for yard waste during the Spring, Summer and Fall months. Yard Waste Collection is discontinued December-February for both roll-carts and alley yard waste dumpsters.
Residents must place yard waste directly into roll carts and alley dumpsters; do not place inside garbage bags or yard waste bags.
Residents may also bundle limbs in six foot lengths and place them out for the monthly bulk pick up. The Refuse Division will accept one pick-up truck load of yard waste each month from residents at a transfer station.
Yard Waste Includes
- Grass clippings
- Leaves
- Brush
- Twigs (less than two inches in diameter)
- Garden Plants
Yard Waste Does Not Include
- Sod
- Dirt
- Stones
- Broken concrete
- Trees
- Tree limbs
- Logs
- Railroad Tires
- Stumps
- Animal feces and dead animals
Composting
City residents may also drop off residential yard waste at the composting operation contracted by the Forestry Division (St. Louis Composting Inc.) .
More information on this service is available on the Forestry Division Composting page.
Large Branches
Large branches over two inches in diameter should be bundled in six foot lengths and set out for the bulky item pick-up (view schedule).
Christmas Trees
Christmas trees can be dropped off at Carondolet Park, Forest Park, or O'Fallon Park after the Holidays (any time, Saturdays and Sundays included) or can be set out for the bulky item collection. Please do not put Christmas trees inside the yard waste Dumpsters. Please remove all decorations, stands, nails, etc. Trees are recycled into mulch and mulch is available free to City residents to pick up at these parks.
