Yard Waste

Have a Growing Problem with Yard Waste?

Mulch it, Compost it, Use it!

Why Does The Erie County Landfill Ban Yard Waste? Since February 1, 1995, Ohio law requires that all landfills in Ohio “shall not accept for disposal, or dispose of, yard waste, source separated yard waste or mixed yard waste”. Neither you, nor your trash hauler, can dispose of yard waste at any landfill in Ohio.

Burying yard waste is not a responsible or cost effective way to use valuable landfill space. Buried under trash in a landfill, yard waste takes years to decompose and its value is lost forever. Composted, or just left on the lawn to dry and decompose, yard waste becomes a valuable natural additive that improves soil quality.

What Exactly Is Yard Waste?

“Yard Waste” means solid waste that includes only leaves, grass clippings, brush, garden waste, tree trunks, holiday trees and prunings from trees or shrubs. “Yard Waste” results from the care and maintenance of landscaped areas. This does not include vegetation waste from industrial or agricultural processing, such as food processing waste or greenhouse waste, or discarded commercial fruits, vegetables or flowers from the home. Tree trunks and stumps are also not considered yard waste and may be disposed of at the landfill.

Can Yard Waste Be Burned?

Open burning of yard waste and other material is prohibited at all times in the following areas:

  • Within 1,000 feet of an inhabited building located off the property where the fire is to be set
  • Within the boundaries of any municipal corporation (city or village)
  • Within a 1,000 foot zone outside any municipal corporation with a population of 1,000 to 10,000
  • Within a one mile zone outside any municipal corporation with a population of more than 10,000

What Can I Do With Yard Waste?

Grass clippings can be left on the lawn to decompose and return valuable nutrients to the soil. A mulching mower or cutting the lawn more often and not too short both work well.

Mulch can be made by tree branches and brush run through a chipper. Consider sharing the cost of a chipper with your neighbors.

Compost can be made in your own backyard and may be used for mulch, potting soil or top dressing. Organics including non-greasy food waste, leaves, grass clippings, paper and wood are ideal for composting. A household composting pile should be layered with the wastes, a commercial nitrogen fertilizer (to expedite the decay process) and ground limestone (to balance the pH). The pile must be kept moist and periodically “turned” to aerate the mass and mix the materials for better decomposition. This process (aerobic disintegration) is completed by bacteria and fungi breaking down the matter until it becomes part of the soil.

Where Can I Dispose Of Yard Waste?

Barnes Nursery Compost Facility
Camp Rd. (between Hull & Boos Rd.)
Huron, Ohio
(Call for disposal rates and hours)