Yard Waste & Composting
Yard Waste
Yard waste pick up service is available in Yakima County. Yard Waste includes branches, leaves, grass and weeds. Diverting yard waste from the landfill helps to prevent methane production as well as saves space in the landfill. Food waste is not included in yard waste service. Contact the city in which you live to find out if yard waste pick up is available for your address.What is Composting
Composting is recycling! Composting is the natural process that decomposes yard waste and food waste to make a brown, crumbly soil additive that enhances the health of your lawn and gardens. Adding finished compost to soil improves soil texture, helps soil retain moisture, reduces run-off, and naturally increases nutrient content to help sustain healthy plants. Healthier plants are more resistant to pests and disease.
Yard Waste Material
Please no plastic bags, hoses, metal, pop cans, food waste or garbage of any kind in the yard waste area. The following materials are accepted in our yard waste program:
- Branches (not bigger than 12" in diameter)
- Brush
- Clean wood
- Grass clippings
- Leaves
- Mill ends
- Pallets
- Sawmill residuals
- Vegetation
- Wooden bins
- Wooden boxes
Diverting organic waste from Yakima County Landfills for composting conserves landfill space and reduces production of methane from the breakdown of organic matter in the landfill. Anaerobic (oxygen free) decomposition of organic waste such as yard waste in landfills creates methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas.
Worm Composting
Worms are the ultimate recyclers. They turn your spoiled fruit and vegetables, junk mail and used coffee grounds into fertilizer for your garden. Vermiculture or worm composting, allows you to compost your food waste faster than you ever imagined, while producing the highest quality compost and fertilizing liquid. Best of all, it's self-contained and nearly odorless! Worm composting utilizes a special type of worm, called a red wiggler because they are very voracious eaters, and eat their weight in food every day.
Yard & Wood Recycling
Chipped Yard Waste Material is available free for use as feedstock for composting. The chipped yard waste is made of leaves, grass clippings and branches that have been brought in by customers or through city yard waste collection programs.
Worms are the ultimate recyclers. They turn your spoiled fruit and vegetables, junk mail and used coffee grounds into fertilizer for your garden. Vermiculture or worm composting, allows you to compost your food waste faster than you ever imagined, while producing the highest quality compost and fertilizing liquid. Best of all, it's self-contained and nearly odorless! Worm composting utilizes a special type of worm, called a red wiggler because they are very voracious eaters, and eat their weight in food every day.
Yard & Wood Recycling
Chipped Yard Waste Material is available free for use as feedstock for composting. The chipped yard waste is made of leaves, grass clippings and branches that have been brought in by customers or through city yard waste collection programs.