Waste Disposal For Summer Yard Projects

Summer is a prime time for homeowners to take on yard transformations—from installing new patios to building raised garden beds or replacing fencing. These outdoor projects bring beauty and functionality to your property, but they also generate a lot of debris: soil, rocks, bricks, wood, old concrete, packaging, and more.

At Westfield Dispose All, we know that responsible cleanup is just as important as the project itself. Whether you’re DIY-ing a landscaping job or hiring professionals, here's how to handle your summer construction and landscaping waste the right way—safely, legally, and sustainably.

1. Plan Waste Removal Before You Begin

Before you start digging or demolishing, take time to estimate the type and volume of waste your project will produce.

• What materials will be removed? (soil, sod, concrete, lumber, old bricks, plants, etc.)
• Are any materials hazardous? (treated wood, chemicals, etc.)
• Do you have room to store waste temporarily?

Planning ahead allows you to rent the right type of dumpster, schedule a bulk pickup, or prepare for multiple disposal trips if needed. It also helps ensure materials are sorted properly, which is critical for recycling.

2. Know What You Can Reuse, Recycle, or Donate

Not all landscaping or construction debris belongs in the landfill. In fact, many materials can be reused, recycled, or donated:

• Bricks, Stones, and Pavers: These can often be reused in future garden projects or donated to salvage yards and reuse centers.
• Untreated Wood: Clean, untreated lumber can be repurposed for DIY projects, garden structures, or firewood.
• Soil and Sod: Good-quality topsoil or sod may be accepted by neighbors, landscapers, or community gardens.
• Plant Material: Healthy perennials, shrubs, or trees may be dug up and transplanted elsewhere—or composted if no longer needed.
• Metal Scraps: Items like metal fencing, stakes, and hardware are recyclable through scrap metal yards.

Before you toss anything, consider if it still has value to someone else. You might save money and reduce your environmental footprint.

3. Rent a Dumpster for Large Projects

For big projects like tearing out a deck, replacing a driveway, or removing large amounts of soil, renting a dumpster is often the best solution.

• Choose the Right Size: At Westfield Dispose All, we offer a variety of dumpster sizes tailored to different types of waste and project scopes. A 10- or 15-yard dumpster is typically sufficient for most yard jobs.
• Separate Materials if Possible: Keeping wood, concrete, and green waste separate allows for more efficient recycling. Ask your provider if mixed loads are acceptable.
• Follow Local Rules: Some materials may not be allowed in general dumpsters (e.g., treated wood, chemicals). Be sure to ask for a list of restricted items.
• Don’t Overload: Dumpsters have weight limits, especially when filled with heavy debris like concrete or soil. Overfilling may result in extra fees.

A dumpster simplifies the cleanup process and ensures materials are handled responsibly.

4. Use Bulk Pickup Services for Specific Items

If your project leaves you with a small number of large, non-recyclable items—like an old fence gate, broken patio chairs, or bulky yard decor—you might not need a dumpster. Instead, schedule a bulk waste pickup through your local provider.

Westfield Dispose All offers bulk pickup for residents looking to remove large items without the need for a full dumpster. Just contact us in advance, and we’ll help arrange a pickup that works with your schedule and waste type.

5. Properly Dispose of Soil, Sod, and Rocks

These materials are deceptively heavy and take up space quickly—plus, they require careful handling:

• Soil & Sod: Often not accepted in regular curbside or dumpster services due to weight and volume. However, clean soil can be reused or accepted at landscaping supply centers or soil recycling programs.
• Rocks & Gravel: Can be reused in landscaping or donated via community sharing platforms. Never dispose of them in natural areas or drainage systems.
• Avoid Dumping: Illegally dumping soil or rocks in public spaces, woods, or waterways can damage local ecosystems and lead to fines.

Ask Westfield Dispose All about our recommendations for clean fill drop-off or rock/sod removal assistance.

6. Dispose of Treated Wood and Hazardous Materials Safely

Older construction materials, like pressure-treated lumber, railroad ties, or painted wood, may contain hazardous chemicals like arsenic or lead. These should never be burned, composted, or buried.

• Contact Your Local Hazardous Waste Facility: Many areas host special collection days for treated wood and chemicals.
• Store Carefully Until Pickup: Keep treated wood dry and away from children or pets.
• Don’t Mix with Clean Wood Waste: Treated lumber requires separate disposal to avoid contaminating recyclable wood.

If you're unsure whether your materials are hazardous, give our team a call—we’ll help you determine the safest option.

7. Handle Green Waste the Eco-Friendly Way

Summer pruning, hedge trimming, and garden clearing often leave you with piles of plant material. These can be recycled or composted if managed properly.

• Use Curbside Yard Waste Collection: Place branches, leaves, and clippings in approved paper yard waste bags or green bins.
• Bundle Branches: Tie branches in small bundles (usually under 4 feet long) to meet pickup guidelines.
• Compost at Home: Grass clippings, flower heads, and small trimmings make great compost material. Just avoid adding weeds that have gone to seed.
• Avoid Burning: Burning brush is often banned in residential areas and releases harmful pollutants. Choose disposal or composting instead.

Green waste handled right enriches soil and reduces the burden on landfills.

8. Don’t Forget Packaging and Miscellaneous Waste

Outdoor projects generate a surprising amount of packaging—think shrink wrap, plastic pots, cardboard boxes, and paint cans.

• Cardboard & Paper: Flatten and recycle clean boxes.
• Plastic Pots & Bags: Check if your local garden center accepts plant pots for recycling or reuse.
• Paint & Sealants: Empty containers may be recyclable; full or partially used products should go to hazardous waste facilities.
• Styrofoam & Packaging Fillers: These often aren’t accepted in curbside bins. Use drop-off sites where available or reuse them for storage and shipping.

Sorting your project waste prevents contamination and ensures recyclables get a second life.

Conclusion

Your summer yard project might start with a shovel or hammer, but it should end with a commitment to responsible cleanup. Whether you're replacing a patio, planting a new garden, or taking on a full backyard makeover, knowing how to properly handle construction and landscaping waste is key to protecting your environment and community.

At Westfield Dispose All, we’re here to make the cleanup easy. From dumpster rentals and bulk pickups to recycling guidance and yard waste collection, we offer services that keep your project moving—and your property clean.

Need help getting started? Reach out to our team today and let’s build a cleaner, greener summer together.