DSWA Programs - Yard Waste

recycling programs

Yard Waste Recycling

Questions? Call our CITIZENS' RESPONSE LINE at 1-800-404-7080.

Click to download a Yard Waste Recycling Brochure

Christmas Tree Recycling

According to the Christmas Tree Association there are approximately 25-30 million real Christmas trees sold in the United States every year. Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource so once the holidays are over, the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) encourages residents to recycle their Christmas trees. Customers of DSWA’s yard waste collection program can cut their tree down into the 4x2 feet requirements and place the tree in the provided 96-gallon cart. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) traditionally collects Christmas trees for recycling. Visit DNREC’s website www.dnrec.delaware.gov or call 302-739-9403 for drop-off locations and hours.

Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) Yard Waste Program

All residents in the State of Delaware will have the opportunity to participate in DSWA’s new and improved Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) yard waste collection program.

Our pay-as-you-throw program offers pick-up of your yard waste at your curb.

Weekly pick-up will occur between the months April 1-December 31 and every other week between the months of January 1-March 31.

What is Yard Waste?

Yard Waste is defined as plant material resulting from lawn maintenance and other horticultural gardening and landscaping activities. It can be specifically described as grass clippings, leaves pruning, brush, shrubs, garden material and branches.

Yard Waste FAQs »

Purchase Stickers

Customers will be able to purchase stickers from DSWA. Place 3 pink stickers in the clear bag on the side of the brown yard waste cart each collection day. Stickers will cost $1 each and are purchased in increments of 10.

For example, you may purchase 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 stickers at one time. Stickers are available to order through DSWA’s website (click the Add to Cart button above) or by calling DSWA’s Citizens’ Response Line 1-800-404-7080.

Preparing Yard Waste for Pick Up

There are a few simple rules to follow when preparing yard waste for pick up:

Customers will be provided a 96-gallon cart for loose yard waste recycling convenience.
Place yard waste loose in the cart and place 3 pink stickers in the clear bag on the side of the cart each collection day.

Sticks and small branches may be placed inside the cart or bundled and set next to it. Bundles must be no longer than 4 feet in length, 2 feet in width, and 2 feet in height.

Bundles must be tied together with rope or twine, and the sticker placed around the rope or twine. Bundled branches and limbs will not be picked up unless a sticker is placed on the rope.
No trash, tree stumps, rocks, or dirt