Green Yard Waste Barrel

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generate approximately 180 million tons of garbage each year. Of this, green waste (grass, leaves, plant trimmings, tree branches and prunings) represents about 18% or 32 million tons. Recycling yard waste reduces the amount of waste going to the landfills.

Why should I recycle my green yard waste?

• Frees up space in your trash barrel for non-recyclable material.
• Eliminates the need to have an extra trash barrel for green yard waste which can save you money. Note: If you have more than one black trash barrel, you may exchange one for a green waste only barrel and reduce your monthly trash bill.
• Reduces the use of plastic bags as the material placed in the green barrel does not need to be bagged and tied.
• Helps the environment - Collected material is converted into compost and mulch, as well as repurposed as raw material for other applications.
• Extends the life of the landfill by conserving landfill space.

What can I recycle in the green waste barrel?

Accepted items: (unbagged)

• Grass
• Leaves
• Plant trimmings
• Small tree branches & prunings (cut into 24" sections & no larger than 12" in diameter)

Non-accepted items: 

• Palm fronds (palm fronds are too fibrous and get tangled in mulching equipment)
• Oleander trimmings
• Citrus fruit
• Cacti
• Animal waste
• Trash
• Lumber
• Food waste
• Concrete
• Rock & gravel material
• Metal

Placing non-accepted items can jeopardize Mesa's recycling efforts, as well as require us to pay penalty fees to dispose of these non-accepted items.

What should I do with items not accepted in the green waste barrel?

Non-accepted items can either be placed in your black trash barrel or you may request a curbside bulk item pickup.

How large is the green waste barrel?

Green waste barrels have a 90-gallon capacity and are approximately 45"h x 28"w x 34"d.