Yard Waste Recycling

The City of Aspen’s recycling ordinance prohibits anyone from throwing away grass and leaves in the trash. This is because organic wastes make up the second largest volume of material at the landfill. Diverting them preserves the life of the landfill. Grass and leaves can be composted, reducing the need for fertilizers. If your hauler finds grass and leaves in your trash, they will not pick it up and will leave an audit card instructing you to call the Environmental Health Department.


leaves
According to the EPA, up to 18% of the average landfill space is yard waste. Grass and leaves don’t need to take up valuable landfill space because they are easily composted.
To properly dispose of grass and leaves:
  • Take them to the landfill. (They will be composted.)
  • Residents may drop their own off in the seasonal collection bin for grass and leaves at the Rio Grande Recycle Center. This bin is NOT for commercial landscaper use. Commercial landscapers are not permitted to use this bin even if the material comes from a residence (commercial landscapers must use the landfill). Only residents may drop off their own grass and leaves.
  • Compost your grass and leaves in your yard. If you only compost yard waste, you do not need to worry about attracting bears.
 

Contact
Please contact Ashley Cantrell at 970-429-1798 with any recycling questions.