Did you know that yard waste is not permitted in the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill? That’s why most communities in Franklin County offer a yard waste pickup program. Communities in Franklin County divert nearly 200,000 tons of yard waste each year from the landfill by collecting yard waste and composting it into nutrient-rich material that can be used to enrich yards and gardens. 

But composting works only if residents dispose of their yard waste correctly. Composting is the natural decomposition of organic waste such as grass, leaves and shrubs. Non-organic materials, however, sometimes find their way into composting materials. Be honest. Have you ever tossed a plastic nursery pot or some litter you found in your yard into your yard waste bag? Have you ever placed your yard waste into a plastic bag before putting it in your paper yard waste bag or yard waste container?

Although it may seem convenient to use your yard waste bag as a garbage can or to put your yard waste in a plastic bag before placing it at the curb, don’t do it. Nothing should go into your yard waste container except the natural, biodegradable plant materials found in your yard.

Non-organic materials, such as plastic bottles and fast-food containers, contaminate the yard waste and cause problems at compost facilities.

Curbside pickup programs accept the following types of yard waste:

• Leaves
• Grass clippings
• Shrubs
• Weeds and brush
• Twigs and small branches

You can put these items in biodegradable paper bags or containers clearly marked “yard waste” and set them on the curb on the morning of your community’s yard waste collection day.  Branches are also accepted but should be tied with twine in bundles less than two feet wide.

For a more hands-on approach, you can compost in your own backyard. Backyard composting is an easy way to reduce waste and a great option for garden enthusiasts. For more information on backyard composting, visit SWACO’s web page.

SWACO encourages you to participate in a curbside yard waste pickup program, take your yard waste to a participating drop-off location or compost in your backyard. These small efforts have a huge impact on our environment. With your help, we can save space in the landfill, reduce greenhouse gases and take advantage of a renewable resource to nourish our grass and gardens.

For more information on yard waste and composting, visit SWACO’s yard waste web page.