YARD WASTE and BLACK GOLD

What is Yard Waste?
Yard waste is vegetative waste or yard debris. It comes from the care and maintenance of landscaped areas. Yard Waste consists of grass clippings, leaves, branches, bushes and plants that are no longer contributing to your landscaping and garden.

Why not throw it away?
In 2002 the state of Ohio banned yard waste from landfills. Because yard waste decomposes at a rapid rate in landfills, methane gas is formed. That is a problem because methane gas is  flammable and  can explode in landfills.

Thankfully, yard waste is easy to recycle into mulch and compost. Consequently, Solid Waste districts were assigned the task of reducing the amount of biodegradable and compostable yard waste residents throw away.

As a result, Richland County Solid Waste opened a compost facility to help residents of Richland County recycle yard waste.

Black Gold
Leaf compost can be used directly on gardens as a mulch or can be worked into the soil as a soil amendment. Gardeners call leaf compost “Black Gold” because it improves soil texture; provides organic matter and natural nutrients for gardens; and fertilizes  plants.

You can make compost from your own yard waste by creating a compost pile in your backyard where you put your leaves, grass and kitchen scraps. Simply moisten the pile and turn occasionally (about every two weeks). The materials will decompose, resulting in Black Gold. If you don’t have a lot of space, you might want to purchase a composter, which you can find at your local hardware store.

Yard Waste tipping fee (drop off) amount:
$1.00   per bag
$4.00   per car
$8.00   per station wagon/van
$10.00 per small pickup
$12.00 per full size pickup
$4.00   per cubic yard for trailers and large trucks

Materials Accepted                                                                   Materials Not Accepted                  Brush                                                                                             Trash of any type
Christmas trees                                                                          Demolition Debris
Shrubs                                                                                            Lumber
Sod                                                                                                  Pallets
Grass                                                                                              Dirt/Rock
Leaves                                                                                            Manure
Trees and Limbs                                                                          Tires
Mixed Yard Waste
Wood Chips