All New York City residents have year-round yard waste collection service as part of curbside compost collection. Compost is collected every week on your recycling day.

Residents are required to separate yard waste from trash. 

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) collects yard waste from residential property.

Yard waste includes:

• Leaves
• Small twigs and branches
• Grass clippings
• Hay bales

There is no limit to the number of leaves or amount of clippings that can be put out for collection if they were produced by residents and not landscapers.

DSNY will not pick up any yard waste produced by a landscaper, contractor, or other professional. If you hired someone to remove, rake, or pick up the waste, they must dispose of it. Learn more on the Landscaper Waste Requirements page.

Disposal Rules

You can use the brown bin provided by the Department of Sanitation for your yard waste. 

If you do not have a brown bin, you can use any labeled bin (55 gallons or less) with a secure lid. Order a free Composting Bin Decal online at nyc.gov/CompostingBinDecal.

In addition to bins, you can use:

• Paper lawn and leaf bags, which are available at hardware stores, home improvement stores, and many larger supermarkets
• Clear plastic bags

Yard waste can also be tied into bundles (2 feet by 4 feet or smaller) and placed next to bins and bags.