Q: Does the lid to the container need to be closed?
A: Yes. In order to protect staff members and ensure no rain gets into the container, the lid must be closed in order for us to service it.
Q: How often will my 95-gallon yard waste container be collected?
A: The 95-gallon yard waste container will be collected each week on your regular trash collection day.
Q: If my 95-gallon yard waste container is full, what do I do if I have more yard waste?
A: You may use up to 10 paper yard waste bags per week and 15 per week during the “leaf season.” You may also tie yard waste into bundles not more than five feet long and no heavier than 50 pounds.
Q: Can I still use my own personal trash cans or bins for yard waste?
A: City crews will still collect personal containers through June 30, 2024. After that date, the City will only service the City-issued yard waste container. Any personal containers set out after July 1, 2024 will not be collected.
Q: Can I opt out of receiving the new 95-gallon yard waste container?
A: No. The time has passed to opt out of receiving the container. If you decide after it is delivered that you still do not want it, you may call the City Contact Center at 336-373-CITY (2489) to put in a work order to have the container picked up by the City. It will not be picked up until later in 2024, after the initial round of containers are deployed citywide.
Q. One 95-gallon container isn't enough. Can I get another one?
A. Yes. To purchase a second container, call the City's Contact Center at 336-373-CITY (2489). The price is $65. It will be delivered later this spring.
Q: Can leaves or yard waste be placed in the 95-gallon yard waste container or do they need to be bagged inside the container?
A: Leaves and other yard waste should go directly in the yard waste container. No bags should be used in the yard waste container. Leaves only need bagged if the cart is full and you have more to be placed at the curb.
Q. How much yard waste can residents put out for collection weekly?
A. Each yard waste cart has a capacity of 95 gallons. Paper yard waste bags average 30 gallons each. Throughout the year, the City will collect up to 10 paper yard waste bags in addition to the yard waste cart for a total of 395 gallons of yard waste per week.
During peak leaf season, the City will pick up as many as 15 paper yard waste bags in addition to the 95-gallon cart from each home. From November to mid-February, residents can put out a total of 545 gallons of yard waste.
After the initial cart roll out, residents will have the option to purchase a second 95-gallon yard waste cart for a total of 490 (year-round) or 640 gallons (during leaf season) of yard waste. 
Q: Is there a weight limit on my new yard waste cart?
A: Yes. The limit is 200 pounds.
Q. What cannot be put in the yard waste container?
A. The City will only accept yard waste in the grey yard waste carts. This includes branches, twigs, yard trimmings, leaves, grass, dead plant materials, sod, and mulch.
No other items will be accepted in the grey yard waste cart. If other items -- such as soil, fertilizer bags, bricks, rocks, plant pots, dirt, plastic barriers or fencing, pet waste, food waste, garbage, or biodegradable plastic bags -- will not be accepted. The cart will not be collected and a notification will be left on the cart. Staff will return the following week and inspect the contents of the cart prior to collection to ensure any contamination has been removed before emptying the cart.
Q: If I put in the wrong materials in the new yard waste cart, will there be a fine?
A: No. Our goal is education. Educational materials will be left for you. If this persists, the City will take the cart.
Q. Where can I throw away these non-yard waste items?
- Rocks, soil, dirt and bricks: May be disposed of as construction and demolition debris at the White Street Landfill.
- Pet waste, plastic barriers, fertilizer bags and fencing: Green trash container
- Food waste: Green trash container or the food waste collection program
- Plant Pots: Green trash container or drop off at collection site at Piedmont Triad Farmer’s Market
Q: Who will receive the 95-gallon yard waste cart?
A: One gray, rolling 95-gallon yard waste container will be delivered to all single-family homes that receive yard waste collection from the City of Greensboro. Residents have until March 31 to opt out of receiving a container or to request to purchase a second one.
Q: What if I need assistance?
A: If you have a disability or difficulty moving your 95-gallon yard waste cart to and from the curb, contact the City's Contact Center at 336-373-CITY (2489). This applies to the cart only and not bundles and/or bags.
