How to Handle Yard Waste Disposal During Fall Clean-Up

Smart Yard Waste Disposal Tips from BVR

As cooler weather rolls in and the leaves begin to fall, homeowners across the Brazos Valley start preparing for their annual yard clean-up. But when it comes to disposing of branches, leaves, and grass clippings, there’s a right way—and a wrong way—to do it. Improper disposal can cause collection delays, equipment damage, and even safety hazards. That’s why BVR Waste & Recycling is sharing our best fall yard waste disposal tips to help you manage yard waste responsibly while keeping your community clean and green.

Start Smart: Plan Your Clean-Up

Before you grab the rake, make a plan. Gather your tools—rake, shears, pruning saws—and start from the edges of your yard, working inward to create smaller, more manageable piles. Be sure to separate yard debris from household trash or construction waste. Items such as lumber, drywall, or treated wood don’t belong in yard waste bins and may require a roll-off dumpster or a trip to the landfill instead.

Bag It the Right Way

When it’s time to bag your leaves, skip the plastic. Use biodegradable or compostable paper bags instead—plastic bags can’t be processed for composting and may lead to missed pickups. Fill bags loosely enough for the tops to close, tie them securely, and place them inside your blue BVR waste bin on your collection day. Choosing compostable bags helps ensure your yard waste can be appropriately processed and turned into reusable organic material.

Trim, Bundle, and Schedule Pickup

Large limbs and branches can cause issues during collection, so trim them down to four feet or shorter before tying them neatly with natural twine or rope. For oversized piles or heavier yard debris, you can easily schedule a yard waste pickup through the BVR mobile app. After scheduling, place your items curbside by 8 a.m. on your regular collection day to ensure prompt pickup.

Watch for Prohibited Items

Not everything from your yard belongs in the bin. BVR’s Prohibited Items List includes paint, concrete, lumber, pesticides, batteries, and automotive fluids—all of which can be harmful to trucks, drivers, or the environment. If you find these materials while cleaning up, check BVR’s website for proper disposal methods or upcoming household hazardous waste events. Our team can help you find the safest way to dispose of every item.

Compost or Mulch for a Greener Yard

Instead of throwing it all away, consider turning your yard waste into compost. Fallen leaves, grass clippings, and small branches can all be transformed into nutrient-rich soil. Composting at home or through BVR’s processing services helps reduce landfill waste and supports a more sustainable ecosystem right here in the Brazos Valley.

Keep Your Bins Clean and Secure

Once your yard waste is ready for pickup, don’t forget about your bins. Regularly cleaning your containers prevents odors, pests, and contamination. Use a mix of soap and water to rinse them out, sprinkle baking soda to absorb smells, and ensure lids are closed tightly—especially on windy days. For a deeper clean, consider hiring a bin cleaning service or scheduling a regular rinse-out routine to keep your bins clean.

Bigger Project? We’ve Got a Roll-Off for That

If your fall project is more than a few bags’ worth of debris, BVR’s roll-off dumpsters are the perfect solution. Ideal for landscaping overhauls, tree removals, or storm debris, roll-offs make large-scale clean-up safe and straightforward. You can also take extra materials to the Washington County Recycling Center, where BVR processes bulky and overflow items properly.

Think Before You Toss

Handling yard waste correctly helps keep your neighborhood beautiful and your collection system running smoothly. By following BVR’s curbside guidelines—bagging properly, trimming limbs to the correct size, keeping hazardous materials out of bins, and scheduling extra pickups through the app—you’ll make fall clean-up easier for yourself and safer for everyone.

So this season, before you roll your bins to the curb, think before you toss. Visit bvrwasteandrecycling.com to check the prohibited items list, schedule a yard waste pickup, or learn more about how BVR keeps the Brazos Valley clean and sustainable—one collection at a time.