Do you have a lot of grass clippings, weeds, or brush that you want to get rid of? At DTG Recycle, we provide a stress-free solution for your yard debris.
In 2018, U.S. landfills received over 10.5 million tons of grass clippings (7.2%). DTG Recycle aims to reduce this number yearly. By recycling yard debris, we aim to minimize yard debris generation and conserve natural resources.
We accept Grass clippings, Weeds, and Brush.
Let’s find out below which yard debris is recyclable, the proper way of yard debris disposal, and its recycling process.
Yard Debris Recycling Center
Reliable Recycling Service for Your Yard Debris
DTG Recycle has Yard Debris Recycling Centers all over Washington State. You may also drop off your yard debris at our locations. Contact us for a price quote for yard debris recycling. We accept Grass clippings, Weeds, and Brush.
At DTG Recycle, all material must be less than 8 feet in length and no larger than 12 inches in diameter, Mixed Soil Disposal, Sod with no mesh backing, Manure, must be accompanied with a manure profile sheet.
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How to Prepare Yard Debris for Recycling?
Preparing yard debris for recycling is an essential step in ensuring proper disposal and effective recycling. By following a few simple guidelines, you can make the process more efficient and environmentally friendly. Here are some tips on how to prepare yard debris for recycling.
At DTG Recycle, all material must be less than 8 feet in length and no larger than 12 inches in diameter, Mixed Soil Disposal, Sod with no mesh backing, Manure, must be accompanied with a manure profile sheet.
How to Dispose of Yard Debris?
To prepare the yard debris for disposal, gather the grass clippings, leaves, branches, and other debris and place them in yard debris bags or containers. Ensure that you use appropriate yard debris bags that comply with local requirements. These bags are designed to hold and transport yard debris effectively.
Next, contact your local debris management services to inquire about yard debris removal options. They may offer curbside pickup services on specific days or have designated drop-off locations for yard debris disposal. Schedule a pickup time if applicable, or follow the guidelines provided for placing the yard debris at the designated collection point. If drop-off is required, locate the nearest drop-off location and consider their specific instructions and operating hours.
Alternatively, you can also consider composting your yard debris at home if feasible. Composting allows you to transform the yard debris into nutrient-rich compost that can be used for gardening or landscaping purposes.
How to Recycle Yard Debris?
1. Collecting Yard Debris
During the yard debris recycling process, the first step is collecting yard debris . This involves gathering various organic materials from your yard, such as grass clippings, leaves, branches, and other plant debris. You can use yard debris bags, bins, or containers to collect and transport these materials.
The purpose of collecting yard debris is to separate it from other types of debris and prepare it for the recycling or composting process. By collecting yard debris separately, it becomes easier to manage and process it in an environmentally friendly manner. Proper collection ensures that the yard debris can be efficiently recycled or composted, diverting it from landfills and reducing environmental impact.
2. Removing Non-Compostable Materials
After collecting yard debris , the next step in the yard debris recycling process is removing non-compostable materials. This involves sorting through the collected yard debris and identifying any items that cannot be composted.
Non-compostable materials may include plastics, metals, treated wood, or other items that do not break down naturally. These materials can contaminate the composting process and hinder the quality of the final product.
By removing non-compostable materials, the yard debris can be purified and prepared for composting. This ensures that the resulting compost is free from unwanted materials and can be used effectively for soil enrichment and gardening purposes. The removal of non-compostable materials is an important step in maintaining the integrity and quality of the yard debris recycling process.
3. Shredding and Composting
Yard debris, such as branches and twigs, is often shredded to facilitate the composting process.
Shredding breaks down the materials into smaller pieces, which speeds up decomposition and creates a more uniform compost mixture. The shredded yard debris is then ready for composting.
Meanwhile, composting is the natural decomposition of organic materials under controlled conditions to produce compost, a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The shredded yard debris, along with other compostable materials like grass clippings and leaves, is piled or placed in compost bins or windrows. Microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, break down the organic matter through the process of decomposition.
Composting requires the right balance of carbon-rich (browns) and nitrogen-rich (greens) materials, adequate moisture, and proper aeration. Over time, the organic materials in the compost pile undergo biological transformation, resulting in the production of humus-rich compost.
Shredding and composting yard debris not only diverts it from landfills but also creates valuable compost that improves soil fertility, retains moisture, and promotes healthy plant growth. The resulting compost can be used in gardens, landscaping, and agricultural applications, completing the cycle of recycling yard debris back into the environment.
4. Screening and Grinding
After the yard debris has undergone composting, it is typically passed through a screening process. Screening involves using a mesh or screen to separate larger particles, such as twigs or debris, from the finer compost material. This process ensures that the final compost product is of a consistent texture and free from any unwanted materials.
In some cases, yard debris may go through a grinding process before or after composting.
Grinding involves using special equipment to break down the composted yard debris into smaller, uniform particles. This step further enhances the quality and consistency of the compost, making it easier to handle and apply in various applications.
Screening and grinding help refine the composted yard debris, resulting in a high-quality end product. The screened and ground compost is typically rich in nutrients, well-textured, and free from any coarse or undesirable materials. This final compost can then be used for gardening, landscaping, soil amendment, erosion control, and other purposes, contributing to sustainable debris management and supporting healthier ecosystems.
Which Yard Debris Can Be Recycled?
- Tree branches
- Grass clippings
- Bushes
- Leaves
- Old mulch
- Woodchips
- Logs
- Weeds
Which Materials Are Not Considered as Yard Debris?
- Soil
- Sod
- Bricks
- Stones
Why Recycle Yard Debris?
Here are the reasons to recycle yard debris:
- Environmental benefits
- Reduce landfill debris
- Conserve landfill space
- Decrease methane gas emissions
- Create nutrient-rich compost
- Enhance soil health
- Reduce the need for chemical fertilizers
- Support sustainable gardening and landscaping practices
Statistics on Yard Debris Recycling
over 22.3 million tons of yard debris were composted
Did you know that in 2018, approximately 22.3 million tons of yard debris were composted or wood mulched, with a 63% composting rate. 1
Yard debris compost makes up 1/4 of U.S. recycling rate
Compost made from yard debris makes up one-fourth of the United States’ recycling rate. 2
Need a Quote? Contact Us for Yard Debris Recycling Prices
Get a quote for your yard debris recycling needs, contact us today at (425) 549-3000. Our team at DTG Recycle is happy to cater to all of your yard debris recycling requirements. Whether you require regular yard debris drop-offs or a one-time recycling service, we are committed to providing our customers with affordable and personalized recycling solutions that meet their unique requirements.
FAQs for Yard Debris Recycling Service
Where can I recycle yard debris?
Yard debris can be recycled at most recycling centers, as well as at curbside pickup programs in many areas. Check with your local recycling program for specific guidelines on how to recycle yard debris in your area.
Can I make money by recycling yard debris?
While it may not be common to directly make money by recycling yard debris, there are potential cost-saving and financial benefits associated with recycling certain types of yard debris:
- Composting: By composting yard debris such as grass clippings, leaves, and vegetable scraps, you can create nutrient-rich compost for your own garden or landscaping needs. This can help you save money by reducing the need to purchase commercial fertilizers or soil amendments.
- Mulch Production: You can recycle branches and woody debris into mulch if you have access to a wood chipper or mulcher. This mulch can be used in your own landscaping projects or potentially sold to others, generating a small income.
- Municipal Programs: Some municipalities or debris management organizations offer incentives or discounts for participating in yard debris recycling programs. These programs may provide free or reduced-cost compost bins, offer discounts on compost or mulch purchases, or even provide financial incentives for diverting yard debris from landfills.
How many times can yard debris be recycled?
The number of times yard debris can be recycled depends on the specific type of debris. Here are the general recycling possibilities for common types of yard debris:
- Grass clippings: Grass clippings can be recycled multiple times. They are often recycled through composting or used as mulch in gardens and landscaping. The grass clippings decompose and contribute nutrients back to the soil, promoting healthy plant growth. There is no specific limit to the number of times grass clippings can be recycled, as long as they are properly managed.
- Leaves: Leaves can also be recycled multiple times. They are commonly composted to create nutrient-rich soil amendments. Leaves can be composted at home or taken to municipal composting facilities. With each composting cycle, the leaves break down further, eventually becoming a valuable organic matter for soil enrichment.
- Branches and woody debris: Branches and woody debris can be recycled through processes such as chipping or grinding. The resulting wood chips or mulch can be used for landscaping or as biomass fuel. While there may be limits to the number of times woody debris can be recycled due to degradation, the material can still be repurposed multiple times before reaching the end of its usable life.
Can I throw grass clippings in the garbage?
No, it is not advisable to throw grass clippings in the regular garbage. Grass clippings, also known as lawn clippings, are considered organic debris and can be recycled or composted instead. Recycling or composting grass clippings helps divert them from landfills and allows for their beneficial use as nutrient-rich mulch or compost for gardening and landscaping purposes. Many communities offer separate collection programs or composting facilities for proper disposal of grass clippings, promoting sustainability and reducing debris.
Why can't I put yard debris in the trash bin?
Yard debris, such as grass clippings, leaves, branches, and other organic materials, should not be put in the regular trash bin for several reasons. Firstly, yard debris takes up valuable space in landfills, which are already under significant pressure. Secondly, these organic materials can decompose and produce methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change, when buried in landfills. Lastly, many communities have implemented separate yard debris collection programs or composting initiatives to divert these materials from landfills and promote sustainable debris management practices.
References
1 Yard Trimmings: Material-Specific Data | US EPA. Retrieved June 20, 2023, from https://www.epa.gov/
2 Profiles in Garbage: Yard Debris. Retrieved June 20, 2023.