Plant, Leaf, & Yard Waste - DSNY

New York City Department of Sanitation


ResidentsSchools & AgenciesGet Rid of …Containerization

Appliances
Automotive Waste
Batteries
Clothing, Household Fabrics, & Accessories
Construction Debris
Dead Animals
Electronics & E-Waste
Furniture, Mattresses, & Rugs
Gas Cylinders & Fire Extinguishers
Harmful Household Products
Ink & Toner Cartridges
Large Items
Light Bulbs
Medical Waste
Mercury & Mercury-Containing Devices
Metal, Glass, Plastic, & Cartons
Mixed Paper & Cardboard
Oils, Grease, & Fats
Plant, Leaf, & Yard Waste

Appliances

Automotive Waste

Batteries

Clothing, Household Fabrics, & Accessories

Construction Debris

Dead Animals

Electronics & E-Waste

Furniture, Mattresses, & Rugs

Gas Cylinders & Fire Extinguishers

Harmful Household Products

Ink & Toner Cartridges

Large Items

Light Bulbs

Medical Waste

Mercury & Mercury-Containing Devices

Metal, Glass, Plastic, & Cartons

Mixed Paper & Cardboard

Oils, Grease, & Fats

Plant, Leaf, & Yard Waste


Plant, Leaf, and Yard Waste

Most plant material — including flowers, house plants, leaves, twigs, branches, and grass clippings — can be turned into compost or used to create renewable energy.

Curbside Composting

All NYC residents can now set out plant, leaf, and yard waste for Curbside Composting collection.

Find out more about Curbside Composting.

Find your collection schedule.

Seasonal Material

Leaves

Set out at the curb in paper lawn and leaf bags, clear plastic bags, or a labeled bin for Curbside Composting collection. Twigs and branches can be bundled with twine and placed next to bins and bags.

NOTE: Leaf and yard waste separation from trash is now mandatory.

Christmas Trees and Wreaths

Remove ALL lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Set out for Curbside Compost collection (do not put the tree in a bag).

Remove stands from metal trees tree stands, metal or plastic and metal wreath frames/wires and wires from wreaths should also be removed and place out with recycling.

Artificial Trees

Set out as garbage on your regular collection day. Remove the metal pole and base if possible and set out with your recycling.

Large Wood Debris

Branches and tree limbs can be discarded on your Curbside Compost collection day. If Curbside Compost is not available in your area, set out with large items your trash-only day (NOT your recycling day).

Branches/limbs must be securely bundled 2 feet by 4 feet or smaller. Use twine or rope to tie up the bundles of wood.

Woody debris cannot weigh over 40 lbs.

NOTE: Do not use nylon line, tape, or other binding material. Remove any nails from the wood.

Not for Curbside Composting

Professional Landscaper Waste

Leaves, grass, branches, and yard clippings generated by commercial landscapers CANNOT be set out for curbside collection. Landscapers MUST dispose of this waste at permitted composting facility. Find out more about options from commercial landscapers.