Leaf and Yard Waste Composting
We pick up leaf and yard waste from April to December on scheduled days and host drop off events throughout the year. Leaf and yard waste is turned into compost, and used throughout the City as soil for community gardens, parks, and schools.
Leaf and yard waste is collected the same day as regular household recycling. If you have two recycling collections per week, your yard waste collection will be on the first recycling day of the week. Check the Trash and Recycling Day app to view your collection schedule.
Leaf and yard waste will not be collected curbside on non-collection weeks.
Leaf and yard waste drop-off events are for Boston residents only. You must provide a photo ID, utility bill, or lease as proof of residency. We will not accept any waste from businesses. We also reserve the right to reject any materials that do not meet our regulations.
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Have questions? Contact 311:
2023 Leaf and Yard Waste Dates
2023 Dates*Please note that the curbside pick up day for your neighborhood is the same day as your regular household recycling collection day. If you have two recycling collections per week, then yard waste will be collected on the first of the two days.
Saturday, April 1 (Yard waste drop-off event)
Saturday, April 8 (Yard waste drop-off event)
Monday, April 10 - Friday, April 14 (curbside pickup)
Saturday, April 15 (Yard waste drop-off event)
Monday, April 24 - Friday, April 28 (curbside pickup)
*Please note that the curbside pick up day for your neighborhood is the same day as your regular household recycling collection day. If you have two recycling collections per week, then yard waste will be collected on the first of the two days.
Monday, May 8 - Friday, May 12 (curbside pickup)
Monday, May 22 - Friday, May 26 (curbside pickup)
*Please note that the curbside pick up day for your neighborhood is the same day as your regular household recycling collection day. If you have two recycling collections per week, then yard waste will be collected on the first of the two days.
Monday, June 5 - Friday, June 10 (curbside pickup)
Monday, June 26 - Friday, June 30 (curbside pickup)
Saturday, July 15 (curbside pickup)
Saturday, July 22 (curbside pickup)
Saturday, July 29 (curbside pickup)
Saturday, August 5 (curbside pickup)
Saturday, August 12 (curbside pickup)
Saturday, August 19 (curbside pickup)
Saturday August 26 (curbside pickup)
*Please note that the curbside pick up day for your neighborhood is the same day as your regular household recycling collection day. If you have two recycling collections per week, then yard waste will be collected on the first of the two days.
Monday, September 11 - Friday, September 15 (curbside pickup)
Monday, September 25 - Friday, September 29 (curbside pickup)
*Please note that the curbside pick up day for your neighborhood is the same day as your regular household recycling collection day. If you have two recycling collections per week, then yard waste will be collected on the first of the two days.
Monday, October 2 - Friday, October 6 (curbside pickup)
Monday, October 23 - Friday, October 27 (curbside pickup)
Monday, October 30 - Friday, November 3 (curbside pickup)
*Please note that the curbside pick up day for your neighborhood is the same day as your regular household recycling collection day. If you have two recycling collections per week, then yard waste will be collected on the first of the two days.
Monday, October 30 - Friday, November 3 (curbside pickup)
Monday, November 7 - Friday, November 10 (curbside pickup)
Monday, November 13 - Friday, November 17 (curbside pickup)
Saturday, November 18 (Yard waste drop-off)
Monday, November 20 - Saturday, November 24 (curbside pickup)
Monday, November 27 - Friday, December 1 (curbside pickup)
*Please note that the curbside pick up day for your neighborhood is the same day as your regular household recycling collection day. If you have two recycling collections per week, then yard waste will be collected on the first of the two days.
Saturday, December 2 (yard waste drop-off)
Monday, December 4 - Friday, December 8 (curbside pickup)
Saturday December 9 (yard waste drop-off)
*Please note that the curbside pick up day for your neighborhood is the same day as your regular household recycling collection day. If you have two recycling collections per week, then yard waste will be collected on the first of the two days.
Monday, January 1 - Friday, January 5 (curbside pick up)
Monday, January 8 - Friday, January 12 (curbside pick up)
Leaf and yard waste tips
- Place your barrels, bags, and branches curbside by 6 a.m.
- Yard waste is collected on the same day as your recycling collection day. If you have two recycling days each week, yard waste collection is on the first recycling day of the week.
- Place leaves and yard debris in large paper bags or open barrels labeled YARD WASTE.
- Never use plastic bags for leaf & yard waste.
- Branches must not be larger than three feet long and one inch thick, and tied with a string.
- Bamboo is accepted, as long as pieces are cut to be less than three feet in length, and tied with a string.
Christmas Tree Collection
We pick up Christmas trees in January to be shredded for compost. Christmas tree collection corresponds with your scheduled recycling collection day. If you have two recycling days, we pick up trees on your first recycling day. Check the Trash and Recycling Day app to find your tree collection dates.
Please place your trees on the curb by 6 a.m., without ornaments or lights.
Community Garden Compost Request
Compost made from Boston's leaf and yard waste can be provided to community gardens at no cost. We have finished compost delivery for the 2023 season. Check back in Spring 2024 for information about how to receive compost for your community garden!
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Have questions? Contact 311:
