Yard Waste and Branch Disposal

Ensuring Branches are Removed by Your Garbage Service

The weekend is here and your agenda includes yard work. Disposing of lawn trimmings is simple enough, place it in a yard waste cart or a brown yard waste bag. But, what about those larger yard projects that involve branches and trimmings? Trimming trees and shrubs can make for a long, hot day in the sun. The last thing you want after all that work is your branches to remain at the curb for weeks.  Here are some steps to ensure your branches are picked up by your garbage service.

tree branches

3 Ways to Place Branches at the Curb

  • Place Branches in Your Yard Waste Cart

  • Place Branches in a Yard Waste Bag

  • Gather, Bundle and Tie Branches

Bundle Branches For Easy Removal
Remember, branches and other yard waste cannot be placed in your regular garbage cart for pick up. Branches and yard waste are collected by a separate yard truck because yard waste is not allowed at landfills. Residents can place yard waste in designated yard waste carts or in brown paper yard waste bags. If you plan to place your branches in a waste bag during clean up, cut the branches into lengths of 3-4 feet. Please keep the branch thickness/diameter under 6 inches.

Another way to take care of your branches is to tie them together with string or twine in easy to handle bundles. Do not use wire. These bundles of branches should be less than 3-4 feet in length.  Make sure to tie the branches tightly, in bundles that can be easily lifted by one person. Please see your village page for details on possible quantity restrictions. Some villages also require residents to purchase special yard waste stickers for each bag or bundle.

Yard Waste Season
Yard waste season is from April 1st to November 30th. Yard waste is not picked up in the winter months. A special yard waste truck collects and transports yard waste separately from other waste and recyclables. The collected yard waste material is transported to a remote composting location where the material is recycled into rich new spoil.

Your Village
If you have any further questions about the process of bundling branches, do not hesitate to call Homewood Disposal. Keep in mind that it is illegal in the state of Illinois to put yard waste in the regular garbage (that includes bundled branches). Your branches will be left behind if not properly bundled and placed next to your can on pick up day.

Follow these easy steps for a perfectly manicured yard without branches at the curb after pick up day. Be sure to check with your village to find out more about yard waste regulations and quantity limitations. You may need yard waste stickers attached to your bundles or bags for pick up.

Please note that yard waste service does not include removal of cut down trees or branches placed by professional contractor or professional tree service.

Branch Pick Up Guidelines

  • Yard Waste Pick Up is from April 1 – November 30

  • Keep branch thickness/diameter under 6 inches

  • Bundled branches should be less than 3-4 feet in length

  • Some Villages Require Yard Waste Stickers on Bags and Bundles