2026 Guide to Mixing Yard Waste and Construction Debris

2026 Guide to Mixing Yard Waste and Construction Debris

Most operators should not mix yard debris with construction and demolition (C&D) waste in a single rental bin. Yard waste is plant-derived material—leaves, grass, brush, and branches—destined for composting or mulching. When it’s mixed with non-organics, painted or treated wood, or plastics, the compost stream is contaminated and often rejected, triggering landfill fees and lost diversion. There are limited exceptions: some haulers allow a defined clean-wood plus yard stream when explicitly approved. This guide lays out when mixing is allowed, how to plan separation streams, and how to right-size containers and routes so you avoid fines, protect driveways, and meet portfolio diversion targets. Throughout, Recycler Routing Guide emphasizes separation-first planning, right-sized containers, and efficient routing to avoid fees and missed diversion.