Yard Waste Collection Strategies

Increasingly compost facilities are banning plastic bags and municipalities are looking for alternatives. Resourceful Bag & Tag has been providing solutions to yardwaste problems for the over 13 years. We have hundreds of customers who are using some variation of these programs to address the yardwaste issue.

Pay-Per-Use Yardwaste Programs

Charging a fee for yardwaste collection encourages residents to compost or mulch their own yardwaste. Those who insist on having their yardwaste collected must pay for the privilege. (Some municipalities make an exception and allow a free leaf pick-up in the fall). For more money-saving collection ideas, visit our PPU page.

Non-Collection Notices

There are usually some customers who insist on using plastic bags, who mix trash with yardwaste, etc. For this a “sorry-tag” is left on the non-conforming container. The resident is alerted to correct the problem so that the yardwaste can be collected properly.

Bulk-Yardwaste Collection

The most inexpensive solution is a Bulk Yardwaste Collection Program. Educational material is sent out to the residents, including a permanent decal that they apply to a can or cart for the bulk-collection of yardwaste (decal pictured above). Instructions are given on how to receive additional decals. The letter also explains where to purchase paper bags, if that option is offered.

Paper Yardwaste Bags

Some municipalities and haulers request that all yardwaste be set out in Kraft, biodegradable, paper bags. To find out more about this popular collection option, visit our paper bag page.

Collection Tags

The most successful way to charge a fee is a tag program (also called sticker program in some regions) Residents purchase tags and place them either on a 2-ply biodegradable paper Kraft bag, which they purchase locally, or through the handle of a yardwaste trash can, identified with a “Yardwaste” container decal
Tags are sold at convenient places and town offices. In rurual situations, tags are often mailed to customers. Each time that yardwaste is collected, the tag is removed from the can handle, or collected with the bag. Find out more about Resourceful’s stickers & tags.