Minneapolis residents gearing up for spring cleaning can start hauling their yard waste to the curb next week, according to city officials. In an effort to keep the city clean and environmentally friendly, Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling kicks off its 2024 season for leaves, brush, and other yard trimmings collection starting April 8. The city is asking residents to place their yard waste next to their garbage carts by 6 a.m. on their regularly scheduled garbage day.
There are specific guidelines for how to set out the waste. "Customers can set yard waste out in a reusable container, compostable bags (paper or certified compostable plastic – look for the BPI logo), or bundled with string or twine," according to the city's announcement. Residents should note that bags tagged “biodegradable” or “degradable” do not meet State law requirements and will not be accepted for pickup.
When it comes to weight and size, the regulations are clear. Each container, bag, or bundle must weigh less than 40 pounds, and bundled brush and branches should be less than 3 inches in diameter and cut to less than 3 feet long. This ensures that the crews can safely manage and dispose of the waste. Items such as dirt, sod, and tree stumps, however, are not eligible for this pickup service and will be left behind.
Another important note for residents is that the act of raking leaves into the street is illegal and can have detrimental effects on local waterways. The Solid Waste & Recycling crews are dedicated to maintaining the cleanliness of the city's lakes, creeks, and rivers, which is why they enforce these guidelines.
Beyond refuse logistics, the city is also advocating for the protection of pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which often use yard waste as nesting sites. Residents are encouraged to delay clearing their yards until daytime temperatures Consistently exceed 50 degrees. This approach helps to safeguard the habitat of these crucial pollinators during the critical early spring period. For any questions or further information, the city urges residents to visit the official website or to call Solid Waste & Recycling.
