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

Yard waste includes:

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

Collection rules depend on if your building participates in the Curbside Composting program.

DSNY won’t 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.

If you participate in the Curbside Composting program, you may place your leaves and other yard waste in your brown compost bin.

If your yard waste can’t fit in the bin with the lid closed, or to save room in the bin for food waste, you can:

  • Put it in a rigid unlined container labeled "Yard Waste"
  • Put it in a paper lawn and leaf bag (do not use plastic bags)
  • Tie it into bundles 2 feet by 4 feet or smaller

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.

If you don’t participate in the Curbside Composting program, you may place your leaves, grass clippings, and small twigs less than 1/2 inch in diameter in a black trash bag or unlined trash can and place curbside for collection on your trash day.

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.

Instead of throwing out leaves with your trash, you can also:

You can use paper lawn and leaf bags to dispose of your leaves and yard waste. They are generally available from hardware and home improvement stores, as well as many larger supermarkets.

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