Yard Waste Facts

• Leaves and grass clippings provide can provide valuable nutrients, even moisture distribution, and improve soil structure in flower beds and gardens.
• Black walnut leaves and twigs are toxic and should be excluded from compost piles.
• In 1995, there were 3202 yard waste collection programs in the United States.
• Approximately 30.6 million tons of yard trimmings (grass, leaves, tree and brush clippings) were generated in the U.S. in 1994.
• Yard trimmings made up 14.6% of the U.S. municipal solid waste stream in 1994.
• The yard waste recycling rate in the U.S. rose from 12% in 1990 to 23% in 1994.
• The projected recycling rate for yard waste in year 2000 is 32 to 50%.

Limbs & Bushes

Limbs and bushes that fit should be inside your Toter. The limbs and bushes that do not fit in the Toter must be tied in bundles no larger than 5 feet in length and 2 feet around and must not weight more than 40 pounds each. Please put the limbs and bushes out on the curb away from the power lines and mailboxes. The Sanitation Department will pickup these items if they are bundled properly. You may recycle them yourself by delivering them to East Central Recycling at 701 East Centennial between 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. It is illegal to dump there at any other time.

Grass Recycling

Grass clippings can be picked up by the Muncie Sanitary District, however we encourage you to recycle your grass clippings. Grass recycling is the natural recycling of grass by leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing. Grass clippings decompose quickly and release valuable nutrients back into the soil. Lawn clippings can be used as mulch to provide weed control in flower beds and around shrubs. This works particularly well over a base of cedar bark or redwood mulch. Clippings shade the soil as they dry out, meaning you have to water garden plants less.

Lawn Tips and Tricks

Carefully placing trees can help improve your home's energy efficiency.

• Windbreaks
  Certain trees and shrubs can provide a natural screen for wind, noise and dust. Generally, rows of shrubs and evergreens to the north and west are most effective.
• Shade
  Carefully selected and placed deciduous trees can provide summer shade and allow for solar heating in winter. Place them on the south and west sides of your home.
• Foundation Planting
  Low trees and shrubs planted close to your home reduce wind currents and create an air space to help reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

Content on this page provided by Second Time Around - EPA Region 5 and Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University.