Heads up, Lancaster residents—your yard waste schedule has been issued. Starting April 1, curbside yard waste collection will be available until December 20, giving you plenty of time to get your greenery tidied up and removed. According to the city's announcement, the Transfer Station is taking a break from yard waste drop-offs and compost pickups and won't be back in action until March 31, 2025. So, taking advantage of the curbside service while it's active is important.
Don't forget that all your leaves, branches, and grass clippings need to be out on the street by 7:30 am on your designated pickup day. Even if your usual trash spot is in the alley, moving your yard waste to the street is a must—or risk it being missed by the collection crews. To make sure waste is manageable for pickup, keep any bundles no more than four feet long and two feet in diameter, and ensure they don't weigh more than fifty pounds each. In the case of bagged waste, stick to biodegradable paper bags, which are also capped at a fifty-pound limit when full. Check out the city's full list of guidelines to avoid any hiccups.
Also, the city has a strict rule against co-mingling yard waste with other garbage—you've been warned. "Co-mingling of yard waste within the same container as acceptable waste is PROHIBITED," the City of Lancaster's statement read. Keep your garden scraps pure, or they may not be picked up. This is crucial, as improper waste separation can impede composting and recycling efforts.
And brace yourselves—it's important to remember that dirt, rocks, and mulch are the party crashers of yard waste; they're not invited to the green waste bins. If you've gone to add them inadvertently, you should pull them back out. Keeping these materials out of the yard waste stream helps to ensure the city's waste management operations run smoothly. For the full breakdown of what is (and isn't) considered yard waste by the city, swing by the City of Lancaster’s official website. Do your part to keep Lancaster clean and green this collection season.
