Yard waste

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) update: waste and recycling

April 3, 2020 

To help prevent spread and protect our waste collection staff:

  • Dispose of all the following in the garbage in plastic garbage bags:
    • Personal hygiene products
    • Used tissues
    • Cleaning cloths
    • Face masks
    • Gloves
    • Sanitary wipes, even those listed as flushable or compostable
    • All similar items
  • Securely tie garbage bags shut and set out in your bin in your regular collection area

If you’re sick or caring for someone who is sick:

  • Double bag all personal waste in plastic garbage bags
  • Securely tie all bags shut and dispose of as regular residential garbage  

Unbagged or loose items will not be collected.

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

Leaves and grass clippings

Short branches and prunings (under 10 cm thick and 50 cm long)

Weeds, plants, and flowers

Not allowed

Fecal matter

Animal waste

Diapers

Large or heavy items

Branches or prunings over 10 cm thick and 50 cm long

Lumber or other wood products

Rocks, soil, or sod

Plastics

Compostable or biodegradable plastic bags

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

If your green bin is overflowing, our crews may not collect it. Please make sure the lid can fully close.