Managing Yard Waste in Baltimore City

Properly managing yard waste helps keep neighborhoods clean, reduces landfill waste, and supports a healthier environment. The Department of Public Works (DPW) offers curbside collection, drop-off options, and sustainable practices to help residents dispose of yard waste efficiently.

Yard Waste includes grass clippings, leaves, shrub and bush trimmings and small branches.

To prevent clogged drains and pollution, do not place yard waste in the street or gutter.

blades of grass

Yard Waste Disposal Options

1. Curbside Collection

Yard waste is collected on the same day as your regular trash pickup. Follow these guidelines to ensure proper disposal:

  • Place yard waste in paper bags or tie branches into bundles.
  • Size Limits: Branches must be under 4 inches in diameter and no longer than 3 feet.
  • Weekly Limit: DPW will collect up to 5 bags or bundles per residence per week.

2. Seasonal Leaf Collection

Leaf collection runs from the first Monday in October through the last Monday in January.

  • If you have more than 5 bags of leaves, call 311 before 6 PM on Sunday to schedule a bulk leaf pickup on Monday.
  • Residents can schedule multiple appointments throughout the season, up to two months in advance.

3. Drop-Off at a Residential Recycling Center

Residents may also take yard waste to a Residential Recycling Center for disposal. These centers accept bagged or bundled yard waste but do not accept branches longer than 3 feet or larger than 4 inches in diameter.

 Find a Recycling Center Near You

Sustainable Yard Waste Management

Grasscycling: A Simple Way to Recycle Grass Clippings

Instead of bagging grass clippings, leave them on your lawn to act as a natural mulch and fertilizer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 18% of landfill waste comes from yard debris, and grasscycling is an easy way to reduce that number.

Why Grasscycle?

  • Helps prevent runoff pollution from rain and melting snow.
  • Improves lawn health by naturally recycling nutrients.
  • Reduces the amount of yard waste sent to landfills.

How to Grasscycle:

  • Mow when the grass is between 3 to 4 inches high for thicker, healthier growth.
  • Leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing—they decompose quickly and nourish the soil.
  • Mow at least once a week during peak growing seasons.
  • Mow only when the grass is dry to prevent clumps that can smother your lawn.

Tip: Any lawnmower can be used for grasscycling, but mulching mowers are designed to chop grass and leaves into finer pieces.

By following these guidelines, you can help keep Baltimore clean, reduce waste, and improve your yard’s health.

For more information or to schedule a bulk leaf pickup, call 311.