What is Yard Waste?

Yard Waste includes normal lawn and garden debris such as leaves, brush, grass clippings, twigs, pruning and small branches (not more than 3-inches in diameter and not longer than 4 feet).  Bamboo is not accepted in the City's Yard Waste and must be called in as a Bulky Pickup.

How Do I Request Collections?

You can call, email, or download our phone app to make requests.

Yard Debris Collections are made on most Wednesdays. View the Yard Debris calendar for the complete collection schedule. Requests for pickups must be made by the end of the day Monday. During May, the Department will offer an additional Monday pickup, which must be scheduled before the end of the day Thursday. To contact us by phone call: (301) 725-0088 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (TTY/Text users call via Maryland Relay). After hour callers may leave a message on our automated voice mail system. For your convenience you can also schedule a yard debris pickup 24/7 by e-mailing Public Works at [email protected].  You can also schedule a yard debris pickup through our online ap located below through the My Laurel mobile app.

Why Do I Need to Request a Collection?

Even though Yard Debris is free, it is still considered a special collection.  Our crews do not drive through the entire city looking for yard waste, but instead each week they are given a route of only those addresses where pickup was requested.  We also only pick up at those addresses who made requests. Even if other yard debris is out along a street where we are picking up we do not take it because we want our residents to get into the habit of calling us to get put on the list each week they need yard debris picked up. 

Preparing for Pickup

If you can't recycle your yard waste and it is necessary  for curbside pick-up by the city, residents must use a paper lawn bag or another type of reusable container.  Yard Waste in plastic bags will not be accepted.

• Do not mix yard debris with other bulk trash items
• Cut branches and twigs into lengths of 4' or less
• Branches and brush must be tied into bundles (tie with twine, or metal tie wires) or placed inside a container that can easily be emptied (containers must not weigh more than 80 pounds each).  Bundles of branches cannot exceed 2' in diameter.
• Branches must be less than 3" in diameter (larger branches and tree trunks must be collected as bulky trash)

Reasons to Recycle Yard Waste

• The City's Yard Waste Recycling Program will enhance the environment by reducing the amount of solid waste going to the landfill and produce a valuable resource. This program, along with similar efforts by other jurisdictions, will extend the life span of the landfill, and produce natural compost material for use in gardens. 
• Backyard compost your small brush, grass clippings, leaves, sod, etc. Composting yard waste recycles nutrients back into the yard and saves landfill space.
• Composting reduces yard waste volume by 50 percent to 75 percent. Adding manure or soil increases volume.
• Composting plant wastes avoids the temporary nitrogen deficit seen when plant materials are added directly to the garden.
• The microorganisms that break down plant wastes require favorable temperatures, moisture and oxygen.
• Compost is best used as a soil amendment, not a mulch.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn. Clippings return nutrients to your lawn, acting as one fertilizer application per summer growing season. Grass blades contain about 85% water. When clippings are picked up, you lose moisture for the growing grass. Mow high and often - you will spend less time on yard work and eliminate the chore of bagging. Clippings return nutrients to the soil and make your lawn healthy and green. Grass clippings do not cause thatch!
• Composting at home cuts back on the expense of fertilizers and top soil. Mix "browns" (such as dead leaves and weeds) with "greens" (such as grass clippings and garden trimmings). Turn the pile, make sure the composting material is kept moist (like a damp sponge), and you will have compost within several months.
• Plant slow-growing trees, shrubs and grasses. You will have less pruning and trimming to do, and you will generate less yard waste.

Questions or Comments:

If you need any additional information or have any questions or comments, please call us at 301-725-0088 or you may e-mail us at [email protected].