Do you often find yourself wondering what to do with all the yard waste in your backyard? It can be tempting to simply toss it in with your regular household trash, but is that really the best option? Believe it or not, yard waste requires special handling and cannot be disposed of in the same manner as regular garbage.
Yard Waste Should NOT be Put in the Trash
Yard waste and other organic materials should not be placed in the regular trash bin for several reasons.
First, it is illegal in many states, including Michigan, to dispose of yard waste with the regular trash.
Secondly, when yard waste is mixed with other materials in a landfill, it takes up valuable space and produces harmful methane gas.
Lastly, yard waste can be recycled into compost, which can be used for gardening and improving soil quality.
Instead, residents and businesses should take advantage of specialized collection services and container options to properly dispose of yard waste.
By doing so, we can help to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment. [1]
Explanation of the law in Michigan
In Michigan, it is against the law to dispose of yard waste in a landfill or incinerator. This law was put in place in 1990 and took effect for municipalities in 1993 and other sources in 1995.
The law was established to conserve landfill space and prevent yard waste from constituting a large percentage of the state’s solid waste stream.
Yard waste can be composted and converted into compost humus instead. [2]
To ensure efficient and safe collection of yard waste, standardized container colors and labeling are enforced in many areas, including Michigan.
Green is typically used for green waste, while gray is for garbage, and blue is for recyclables. [3]
Sorting of organic waste
Mixing yard waste with regular trash may seem like an easy solution, but it can actually harm the environment.
Organic waste such as food scraps and yard trimmings should be separated from regular trash to create compost.
Composting has numerous benefits, such as improving soil quality and reducing the amount of methane gas released into the atmosphere. [4]
Self-haul and Composting as Alternative Options
If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option for your yard waste disposal, self-hauling and composting can be great alternatives.
Composting is the controlled breakdown of organic material and can result in nutrient-rich soil for your own garden. You can also choose to self-haul your yard waste to a nearby composting facility or drop-off site.
These options not only reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills but also provide benefits to your own garden and the environment.
Benefits of self-haul and composting
Self-hauling and composting yard waste is a great way to reduce waste and improve soil health.
By turning yard waste into compost, you can create a nutrient-rich fertilizer that can be used in your garden, lawn, or landscaping.
This process also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that result from landfilling yard waste.
Additionally, by self-hauling your yard waste, you can save money on disposal fees and support local composting facilities. [5]
Other local options for yard waste disposal
Some communities have composting programs that accept yard waste, which may be a more sustainable solution.
Additionally, some local farms or community gardens may be interested in taking the organic materials to use as compost.
It’s worth checking with local gardening clubs or social media groups to see if anyone is in need of yard waste for composting purposes. [6]
There are Companies that offer yard waste collection to their customers in many areas in United States. They provide weekly seasonal collection, which is usually available through annual subscriptions. [7]
