Yard Waste

Yard waste must be set out by 7 a.m. to ensure collection, especially during peak yard waste season in October and November.

It is illegal to throw yard waste in the garbage. Dirt and sod are not accepted.

Set yard waste out for collection in one of these ways:

1. Use a reusable container. Containers must be 32 – 38 gallons in size and 26 – 32 inches high, with sturdy handles. Yard waste will not be collected from buckets, pails, collapsible containers or containers with wheels. Material can be left unbagged in the container.
2. Use certified compostable bags, brown paper Kraft lawn bags or brown paper grocery bags. Regular plastic bags are not accepted or allowed by state law.
3. Branches must be less than 4 inches in diameter and less than 4 feet long. Tie branches into bundles or put them in a bag.

Note: Each bag or bundle should weigh no more than 40 pounds. The city provides yard waste stickers to mark your reusable containers. These can be picked up at:

• City hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd.
• Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St.

You can also contact public works at 952.924.2562 or operations@stlouisparkmn.gov.

Yard waste drop-off option

Residents may deliver yard waste from their homes to the city's brush site, from April – November, at no charge. Visit the brush drop-off site page for location, dates and hours that yard waste may be dropped off.

If your yard waste isn't collected by the end of the day, report it to Trash Contractors LLC at 612.405.9579 or SLPyardwaste@trashcontractors.net.

If the line isn’t answered when you call, leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

Reduce the amount of yard waste you set out this season by mulching your lawn clippings. Mulching recycles grass clippings and leaves by breaking them down into very small pieces that do not need to be bagged. Mulched grass clippings and leaves eventually break down and provide nutrients to your lawn, which reduces your need for fertilizer.

Visit the University of Minnesota Extension's website to learn more.

Visit Hennepin County's Green Disposal Guide for locations that accept yard waste year-round.

What should I do with my lawn clippings?

Lawn clippings (grass and leaves) are collected through the city’s yard waste collection program. However, consider mulching your grass by leaving your bag off of your mower, so that the clippings are dispersed throughout your lawn. The clippings provide extra nitrogen for your lawn. You can also collect the clippings and use them as mulch in flower beds or compost them in a backyard bin. These options will help you reduce the need to bag material and instead return valuable nutrients to your soil.

View more ideas on what you can do with lawn clippings, and always be sure to keep grass clippings and leaves out of the street. Learn more about backyard composting guidelines in St. Louis Park.

Does yard waste collection include wood chips?

The city's residential yard waste hauler will collect wood chips, along with yard waste, on your regular collection day. The wood chips must be free of dirt, rocks and other materials. Cocoa beans, dyed/colored and flavored chips (used for barbecues) are also acceptable. Yard waste bags or containers must not weigh over 40 pounds each when filled.

What can I do with large branches that fall in my yard after a storm?

Branches, brush or logs greater than 4 feet in length or 4 inches in diameter are too big for residential curbside collection. Bring them to the city’s brush drop-off site.

Learn more about when the site is open, what items are accepted and what items are not accepted by visiting the brush drop-off page.

Does the emerald ash borer affect my yard waste collection?

The emerald ash borer (EAB) has been found in several Minnesota cities. To help slow the spread of EAB, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has placed a quarantine on disposal of ash tree debris outside of Hennepin County and other Minnesota counties. This includes ash logs and lumber, ash tree waste, ash chips and mulch and all hardwood firewood.

The city's residential yard waste hauler will collect ash tree debris and will compost it in compliance with the quarantine. Your yard waste will continue to be collected on your scheduled collection day.

For more information about the quarantine, visit the MDA website, or call the state’s Arrest the Pest hotline at 888.545.6684 (voicemail) or email arrest.the.pest@state.mn.us.