If you’re managing a yard project in Jacksonville—whether you’re trimming trees, dealing with post-storm brush, or doing a full lawn renovation—it’s essential to understand how to dispose of yard waste properly and legally. The City of Jacksonville has clear guidelines on what qualifies as yard debris and how it should be handled to avoid fines, delays, or environmental violations.
From bagged clippings and raked leaves to large branches, logs, and excess soil, each type of green waste must follow specific preparation and disposal rules. In this guide, we’ll explain how to dispose of yard waste in Jacksonville across five main methods, including city curbside collection, composting, public drop-off sites, and roll-off dumpster rentals.
Whether you’re a homeowner, gardener, or landscaping contractor, this resource will help you stay compliant while choosing the most efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective option for yard debris removal in Duval County.
What Qualifies as Yard Waste in Jacksonville?
Before starting your next yard cleanup project in Jacksonville, it’s important to understand what qualifies as yard waste according to local city guidelines. Yard waste—also called green waste or vegetative debris—refers to organic materials generated during regular lawn care, landscaping, or storm cleanup. The City of Jacksonville’s Solid Waste Division has clear rules on what is acceptable for curbside collection versus what must be handled as bulky waste or taken to a debris drop-off site.
Sorting your materials correctly helps avoid missed pickups, contamination issues, and possible code violations under local municipal waste ordinances.
Common Types of Yard Debris
Jacksonville residents can dispose of the following materials as yard waste, provided they follow preparation rules:
Leaves – Loose or bagged in compostable paper bags or approved containers.
Grass Clippings – Fresh or dry trimmings from mowing your lawn.
Bush and Hedge Trimmings – Branches and foliage from trimming or removing shrubs.
Tree Limbs and Branches – Typically accepted if under 5 feet in length and no more than 40 pounds per piece.
Small Stumps and Cut Logs – May be accepted at city drop-off locations or via special pickup.
Mulch and Wood Chips – Natural, untreated mulch is accepted if not mixed with trash.
Soil and Dirt – Accepted in limited amounts depending on volume and weight (check ahead with Jax Yard Waste Division).
Vines and Garden Debris – Includes weeds, pulled plants, and other soft yard clippings.
All yard debris must be separated from garbage or recycling and placed curbside on your scheduled yard waste day.
What is NOT Yard Waste?
The following materials are not accepted as yard waste in Jacksonville and must be handled through special collection, bulk pickup, or other disposal programs:
Treated or Painted Wood – Pressure-treated fencing, deck lumber, or wood with coatings must be taken to a landfill or bulk debris drop-off.
Plastic Bags, Pots, or Plant Containers – Yard waste must be in compostable bags or reusable bins—plastic items must be removed beforehand.
Artificial Turf or Landscape Fabric – These non-biodegradable materials are classified as bulk trash.
Bricks, Rocks, Gravel, and Concrete – Considered C&D debris; not yard waste.
Outdoor Fixtures and Garden Decor – Includes plastic edging, pavers, lighting, or irrigation parts.
Animal Waste and Food Scraps – These are treated as household waste or compost, not yard debris.
Contaminated or Mixed Piles – Loads mixed with garbage, recyclables, or hazardous waste may be left behind or result in a fine.
Reminder: Jacksonville has an enforced yard waste ordinance. Piles left unprepared or mixed with trash may result in code enforcement action.
If you’re unsure about what qualifies, contact Jacksonville’s Solid Waste Division or use the MyJax app to schedule a pickup or ask questions about specific materials.
5 Ways to Dispose of Yard Waste in Jacksonville
Whether you’re trimming shrubs, clearing storm debris, or doing a seasonal yard cleanup, knowing how to dispose of yard waste in Jacksonville is essential for staying compliant with local rules and avoiding unnecessary hauling fees. From municipal curbside pickup to private solutions like dumpster rentals, here are five legal and effective ways to get rid of green waste in Duval County.
1. Use Jacksonville’s Yard Waste Curbside Collection Program
The City of Jacksonville offers weekly yard waste collection for most residential areas. This is the simplest and most cost-effective method for getting rid of common yard debris.
How it works:
Yard waste must be placed in cans, paper lawn bags, or securely tied bundles.
Bundles must be under 5 feet long and weigh less than 40 pounds.
Accepted materials: leaves, grass clippings, twigs, palm fronds, and small branches.
Place items curbside by 6 a.m. on your assigned collection day.
Important: Yard waste in plastic bags will not be collected.
Find your collection day: coj.net
2. Rent a Dumpster for Big Yard Projects
For major cleanouts, landscape renovations, or post-hurricane recovery, a roll-off dumpster is the best way to dispose of yard waste in bulk without multiple trips to a landfill.
Best materials for dumpsters:
Tree limbs and large branches
Mulch, sod, or dirt (with approval)
Bushes and shrub roots
Mixed landscaping debris
Suggested service:
Elgins Dumpsters Jacksonville
Tel: (904) 204-5495
Bin There Dump That
Tel: 904-500-2838
What Yard Waste Can’t Go in a Roll-Off Dumpster?
Some materials may be rejected or subject to surcharges if placed in a dumpster. Common restricted items include:
🚫 Treated or Painted Wood
These items are considered construction debris, not organic yard waste.
🚫 Bulk Dirt or Sand
Due to weight, large volumes of soil often exceed dumpster load limits.
🚫 Hazardous Materials
Chemicals, oils, fertilizers, or pesticides must be taken to a hazardous waste facility.
🚫 Oversized Tree Stumps
Heavy stumps may damage dumpsters or result in extra fees—check with your provider first.
🚫 Concrete, Stone, or Bricks
These are classified as inert C&D debris and require a separate disposal solution.
3. Compost Your Yard Waste at Home
If you’re looking for a sustainable option for how to dispose of yard waste in Jacksonville, composting turns organic debris into nutrient-rich material for your garden or lawn.
Compostable yard waste includes:
Grass clippings and dry leaves
Vegetable garden remnants
Weeds (non-invasive) and shrub cuttings
Small amounts of wood chips
You can set up a compost bin in your backyard or check with Duval County Extension for composting resources.
4. Drop Off at a Yard Waste Facility or Landfill
If your volume of debris exceeds curbside limits, or you want a DIY disposal method, you can bring yard waste to an authorized facility.
Accepted items typically include:
Clean tree limbs, brush, and logs
Grass, leaves, and palm fronds
Shrubs and trimmings
Minimal dirt and mulch (call ahead)
Trail Ridge Landfill
5110 US-301 S, Jacksonville, FL 32234
Tel: 866-676-7150
https://www.wm.com/us/en/location/fl/jacksonville
Call in advance for rates and acceptable material guidelines.
5. Hire a Yard Waste Removal or Landscaping Company
Need to get rid of piles of debris fast? A professional junk removal or landscape cleanup team can handle everything from loading to transport—ideal after a hurricane or large-scale clearing.
Best for:
Full-yard clearouts
Tree and stump removal
Investment property cleanups
Time-sensitive projects
While this method has a higher price tag, it’s hassle-free and labor-saving.
Jacksonville Yard Waste Regulations and Guidelines
To maintain clean neighborhoods and sustainable practices, the City of Jacksonville has outlined specific yard waste rules for residential pickup and disposal. Whether you’re trimming trees, bagging leaves, or handling hurricane debris, understanding how to dispose of yard waste in Jacksonville will help you stay compliant and avoid missed collections or code violations.
Key Yard Waste Rules in Jacksonville
Collection Schedule:
Yard waste is collected once per week on your designated service day by the city’s contracted hauler. Debris must be curbside no later than 6 a.m. on collection day and should not block storm drains, mailboxes, or sidewalks.
Container and Preparation Guidelines:
Yard waste must be placed in trash cans (under 40 gallons), paper lawn bags, or bundled with string or twine.
Plastic bags are not accepted and will be left behind.
Limit of 5 cubic yards per week (roughly a pickup truck load).
Piles must be neatly stacked and not exceed 4 feet in length or 40 pounds per bundle.
Accepted Yard Debris Includes:
Leaves and grass clippings (bagged or loose in a container)
Tree limbs, palm fronds, and small branches
Bushes, shrubs, and hedge trimmings
Soft landscape waste like weeds and garden cuttings
Not Accepted as Yard Waste:
Logs or stumps over 40 pounds
Treated or painted wood (e.g., fencing or decking)
Dirt, mulch, and sod (must be handled as bulk or construction debris)
Landscape rocks, gravel, or bricks
Plastic bags, plant pots, and artificial turf
Mixed or contaminated waste loads
Bulk Pickup for Large Volumes: If your yard waste exceeds the weekly limit, you can schedule a special bulk collection by calling 630-CITY (2489) or using the MyJax app. This service is ideal for storm cleanup or landscape renovation projects.
Storm Debris Collection: In the aftermath of a hurricane or severe storm, Jacksonville provides temporary debris removal operations for vegetative waste. Debris must be sorted from other materials (like fencing or household items) and placed curbside in accessible piles.
Penalties for Improper Disposal: Illegal dumping or improper placement of yard waste can result in citations and fines. Yard debris must never be dumped in stormwater inlets, ditches, or empty lots.
Where to Get More Info or Report Issues
City of Jacksonville – Solid Waste Division
1031 Superior Street, Jacksonville, FL 32254
Website: https://www.coj.net/departments/public-works/solid-waste
Phone: 904-630-CITY (2489)
Use the MyJax app or website to report missed pickups, illegal dumping, or to schedule special yard waste collection.
