Environmental Stewardship & Continuous Improvement in Solid Waste Management

Fall Yard Clean Up

By: West Central Iowa Solid Waste Date: October 1, 2024

Fall Yard Clean Up
As fall settles in and the leaves begin to drop, it’s the perfect time to give your yard some seasonal care. But what do you do with all that yard waste? Instead of bagging leaves or hauling them away, consider these eco-friendly options:

Mulch the Leaves
Using your mower, mulch leaves directly into your lawn. This natural fertilizer will nourish your grass through the colder months.

Till Leaves into Garden Soil
Till fallen leaves into garden beds, adding organic matter that will break down over winter.

Save for Compost
Collect leaves and yard waste like grass clippings and vegetable remains for your compost pile, creating rich soil for next year’s planting.

Use as Winter Bedding
Pile leaves around perennials, bushes, and trees to provide warmth and insulation during the winter.

If you don’t have a compost pile, don’t worry! You can bring grass clippings, leaves, and leftover vegetables from your garden to Carroll County Solid Waste’s compost pile, where they will be turned into nutrient-rich material.

For larger yard debris like twigs and brush (under 18″ in diameter), bring them to Carroll County Solid Waste’s brush pile. A disposal fee will apply. Click here to check fees. Remember, no bags or garbage should be included with yard waste brought to the compost pile.

Need mulch for your garden beds?
You can get mulch from the Carroll County Recycling Center and Landfill to insulate your flower beds, trees, and more for winter, while adding curb appeal to your home! All loads are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis at $55.00 per ton. Call 712-792-5001 to check availability.

By giving back to your garden this fall, you’re not only prepping your landscape for spring but also helping reduce waste!

Happy fall cleanup!