Yard and tree waste

Special attention

Hennepin County Drop-off Facilities do not accept yard and tree waste.

It is illegal to put yard and tree waste in the garbage. Please review other disposal options for this item from the list below.

Recommended disposal options

Ask your hauler about pick-up service

Some waste haulers offer pick-up service for yard waste. Contact your hauler or city for options.

Residents in Hennepin County who bag their yard waste are required to put their waste out for pickup in compostable bags, which include paper bags or certified-compostable plastic bags.

Bring to a yard waste drop-off site

Bring your yard and tree waste to a yard waste drop-off site nearest you.

Dirt is not accepted at all sites. Call first for materials accepted, special conditions, hours and fees.

Compost in your backyard

Use a compost bin for your garden, yard and fruit and vegetable scraps. Learn more about backyard composting.

Other disposal options

Contact your city about storm debris cleanup

If you have recently experienced a storm that has caused large amounts of tree damage, contact your city for instructions on cleanup procedures. Damaged trees that you believe are located on easements, public property or near railroads should be reported to your city. See list of city contacts in Hennepin County.

Special attention: Ash tree waste

A quarantine is in place for Hennepin County to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer, a destructive tree pest that attacks and kills ash trees. Ash tree waste cannot be hauled out of the quarantine area. Learn more about disposing of ash tree waste and see a list of ash tree waste disposal sites.

Diseased trees should be cut down and the wood waste should be removed. To determine if your tree is diseased, see the University of Minnesota Extension Service’s plant diagnostics information or contact your city forestry or natural resources expert. The stump should be removed or debarked to prevent further spread of the disease.

More information about emerald ash borer and options for managing ash trees can be found here: hennepin.us/ashtrees.

Green Disposal Guide