What you need to know
Yard waste goes into your green bin with your food scraps for weekly collection.
Recycle and dispose of items the right way with Waste Wizard
Enter an item below to see how to recycle or safely dispose of it.
Allowed items
Checkmark Leaves and grass clippings
Checkmark Short branches and prunings (under 10 cm thick and 50 cm long)
Checkmark Weeds, plants, and flowers
Not allowed
Fecal matter
X Animal waste
X Diapers
Large or heavy items
X Branches or prunings over 10 cm thick and 50 cm long
X Lumber or other wood products
X Rocks, soil, or sod
Plastics
X Compostable or biodegradable plastic bags
Important information The composting facility in Richmond cannot process any kind of plastic, even bags marketed biodegradable or compostable as it degrades the quality of the finished compost.
What to do with extra yard waste
- Order a larger green bin
- Drop off extra yard waste at the transfer station or landfill (fees apply)
- Buy a composter from the City and make your own compost
Important information If your green bin is overflowing, our crews may not collect it. Please make sure the lid can fully close.