If you’re planning a yard cleanup in Boca Raton—whether you’re doing seasonal lawn maintenance, trimming trees, or clearing hurricane debris—it’s important to understand how to dispose of yard waste properly and in compliance with Palm Beach County regulations. From bundled palm fronds and bagged leaves to heavy stumps, dirt, or hedge trimmings, each type of yard debris has its own disposal method based on size, weight, and material type.
This guide outlines all your legal and efficient options for yard waste disposal in Boca Raton, including weekly curbside collection through the Solid Waste Authority (SWA), green waste drop-off Elgins Dumpsters Boca Raton
locations, composting, and Lowboy dumpster rentals for larger cleanups. Whether you’re a homeowner taking care of weekend yard work or a landscaping contractor managing a full-site overhaul, this resource is built to help you streamline disposal while staying compliant with local waste rules.
What Qualifies as Yard Waste in Boca Raton?
When preparing for a yard cleanup in Boca Raton, it’s important to understand what is classified as yard waste under Palm Beach County’s guidelines. Yard waste—also referred to as vegetative debris or green waste—consists of organic materials generated from routine landscaping, gardening, or storm-related cleanup.
The Solid Waste Authority (SWA) of Palm Beach County, which manages yard waste disposal for Boca Raton, provides clear criteria on what qualifies as acceptable yard debris. Knowing these definitions will help you avoid delays in pickup, contamination penalties, or the need for re-sorting loads at drop-off locations.
Common Types of Yard Debris
Yard waste accepted by SWA must be biodegradable, natural, and free of contaminants. The following items are typically allowed for curbside pickup or drop-off at approved facilities:
Leaves – Loose or bagged leaves from trees, palms, and shrubs.
Grass Clippings – Fresh-cut or dried clippings from regular lawn care.
Bushes and Hedges – Pruned trimmings or whole shrubs (with roots and dirt removed, if possible).
Tree Branches and Limbs – Should be cut to under 6 feet in length and weigh less than 50 pounds per bundle.
Tree Stumps and Logs – Small pieces may be accepted at SWA drop-off sites; larger ones may require special handling.
Mulch and Wood Chips – Clean, untreated mulch and chipped yard wood are considered compostable.
Dirt and Soil – Accepted in small quantities when clean and separated; larger volumes may fall under construction material classification.
Vines, Weeds, and Garden Waste – Includes pulled weeds, dead flowers, and seasonal plant trimmings.
What is NOT Yard Waste?
Certain outdoor materials may appear “natural” but are not accepted as yard waste under SWA rules. These items should be disposed of through bulk pickup, household trash, or construction waste channels:
Treated or Painted Wood – Fence posts, decking, or timber with preservatives are not compostable and must be handled as C&D debris.
Plastic Bags and Nursery Pots – Remove plastic containers, trays, or liners before placing waste at the curb.
Synthetic Landscape Materials – Items like artificial turf, weed barrier fabric, or plastic edging cannot be processed as yard waste.
Rocks, Stones, and Concrete Pavers – These fall under inert construction debris and must be handled separately.
Garden Furniture or Decor – Metal, ceramic, or composite ornaments are considered bulky or household waste.
Pet Waste and Food Scraps – Not accepted in the yard waste stream and should go into the household trash or compost.
Contaminated or Mixed Loads – Yard waste mixed with recyclables, garbage, or hazardous substances may be rejected or fined at collection or drop-off.
Properly sorting your yard waste helps ensure efficient curbside service, reduces your disposal costs, and supports SWA’s green waste recycling efforts. If you’re ever unsure whether something qualifies, reach out to the City of Boca Raton Sanitation Services or check with the SWA directly.
5 Ways to Dispose of Yard Waste in Boca Raton
Whether you’re trimming hedges, cutting down tree limbs, or cleaning up after a tropical storm, knowing how to dispose of yard waste in Boca Raton can save you time, prevent fines, and help protect the environment. From curbside collection to composting and dumpster rentals, here are five legal and efficient ways to get rid of yard debris in the Boca Raton area.
1. Use Boca Raton’s Curbside Yard Waste Pickup Program
Boca Raton residents have access to weekly yard waste pickup through the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA). This is the most convenient option for routine yard work like raking leaves or trimming small branches.
How it works:
Yard waste must be placed in paper lawn bags, reusable containers (no larger than 32 gallons), or bundled with natural twine.
Branches and limbs must be cut to 6 feet or less and weigh under 50 pounds per bundle.
Accepted curbside items: leaves, grass clippings, hedge trimmings, and palm fronds.
Set items out by 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.
Need help with pickup schedules? Visit swa.org to check your collection day.
2. Rent a Dumpster for Large-Scale Yard Cleanups
If you’re removing multiple trees, tackling a full landscape renovation, or cleaning up after a hurricane, a Lowboy yard waste dumpster is the fastest way to dispose of debris in bulk.
Lowboy dumpsters are great for:
Tree stumps and heavy logs
Sod, mulch, and soil (limited quantities)
Overgrown shrubs or hedges
Mixed green waste from large properties
Popular Dumpster services in Boca Raton
Elgins Dumpsters Boca Raton
Tel: (561) 420-6556
The Residential Dumpster
Tel: 561-808-6988
What Yard Waste Cannot Be Thrown in a Roll-Off Dumpster?
Not all yard waste is approved for dumpster disposal due to SWA’s landfill rules and weight limitations. Avoid these items unless pre-approved:
🚫 Treated or Painted Wood
Fence posts, lumber, and deck planks must be handled as C&D waste.
🚫 Large Volumes of Dirt
Soil is extremely heavy. Check weight limits and container type before disposal.
🚫 Hazardous Materials
Gas-powered tools, fertilizers, and pesticides are considered hazardous waste and require special handling.
🚫 Oversized Stumps or Roots
Large stumps may exceed weight limits or damage the container—confirm acceptance with your dumpster provider.
🚫 Inert Materials (Rocks, Concrete, Bricks)
These items are not compostable and must be hauled separately as construction debris.
3. Compost Your Organic Waste
Looking for an eco-friendly way to get rid of yard waste in Boca Raton? Composting turns green debris into nutrient-rich soil, reducing landfill waste and supporting your garden.
Compostable materials include:
Grass clippings and leaves
Pruned stems and vines
Dead annuals, pulled weeds (non-invasive)
Wood chips or natural mulch (in moderation)
You can build a backyard compost bin or participate in community composting initiatives supported by local gardening groups and environmental programs.
Bonus: Composting reduces methane emissions and enhances soil structure for healthier plants.
4. Drop Off at Yard Waste Disposal or SWA Green Waste Facilities
If your debris is too bulky for curbside pickup or you missed your collection day, you can self-haul yard waste to a Palm Beach County drop-off site.
Accepted items include:
Tree limbs, logs, and palm fronds
Bagged leaves and grass clippings
Shrubs and bushes (without excess soil)
Small stumps (call ahead for approval)
Nearby Drop-Off Site:
West Central Transfer Station
9743 Weisman Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
Tel: 561-640-4000
Website: swa.org
Some sites charge a small tipping fee based on weight or volume.
5. Hire a Yard Waste Removal or Landscaping Service
Short on time or equipment? A professional landscaping or hauling service in Boca Raton can handle everything from cutting to loading and disposal.
Ideal for:
Stump grinding and large root removal
Clearing storm debris or overgrowth
Renovating rental or estate properties
Complete yard cleanouts before a home sale
This is typically the most expensive option, but it’s also the most hands-off—great for large properties, elderly homeowners, or busy schedules.
How to Dispose of Specific Types of Yard Waste in Boca Raton
Different types of yard waste in Boca Raton require different disposal strategies—especially when it comes to weight limits, compostability, and SWA pickup standards. Whether you’re maintaining your lawn or clearing an entire landscape, here’s how to dispose of each category of yard debris legally and efficiently in Palm Beach County.
Leaves and Lawn Clippings
How to dispose of:
Leaves and grass clippings are lightweight and nutrient-rich, making them easy to manage through SWA’s curbside pickup or home composting.
Disposal options:
Place in paper lawn bags or rigid containers (no more than 32 gallons).
Compost at home using a bin or open pile—grass adds nitrogen, while leaves add carbon.
Mulch in place with a mulching mower to naturally break down and feed your soil.
Avoid: Plastic bags. SWA will leave behind yard waste not packaged properly.
Tree Branches and Limbs
How to dispose of:
Tree trimmings are accepted curbside if they meet the required size and bundling limits.
Disposal options:
Cut to 6 feet or shorter, bundle with natural twine, and keep each bundle under 50 lbs.
For large volumes, schedule a bulk pickup through SWA or rent a dumpster.
Drop off trimmed limbs at an SWA-approved green waste facility.
Tree Stumps and Large Logs
How to dispose of:
Due to weight and size, stumps and large logs are not accepted at the curb and must be handled through alternative means.
Disposal options:
Grind the stump with a stump removal service; resulting mulch can be reused.
Rent a Lowboy dumpster from Elgins for heavy and bulky green debris.
Drop off at an SWA location that accepts Class III yard waste—call ahead for size restrictions.
Note: Large stumps may fall under C&D classification and result in landfill tipping fees.
Dirt, Soil, and Mulch
How to dispose of:
Soil and mulch are dense and may require separate treatment. SWA does not accept large volumes through normal yard waste pickup.
Disposal options:
Spread clean fill elsewhere on your property.
Share or donate on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or Nextdoor.
Use a yard waste dumpster for excavation or landscape grading jobs.
Drop off small amounts of clean soil at a designated SWA site—check ahead for volume limits and purity requirements.
Please note: If your soil contains roots, plastic, or concrete, it may be classified as mixed waste and incur higher fees.
Bushes, Hedges, and Shrubs
How to dispose of:
These woody plants are accepted in Boca Raton’s yard waste stream if broken down properly.
Disposal options:
Cut into manageable bundles (under 6 feet and <50 lbs) and place curbside.
Compost soft stems and leaf matter if possible.
Use a dumpster rental if removing large numbers of shrubs or clearing an overgrown landscape.
Drop off at a green waste facility approved by the SWA.
Boca Raton Yard Waste Regulations and Guidelines
To help maintain clean neighborhoods, reduce illegal dumping, and support sustainable composting, the City of Boca Raton follows yard waste collection rules established by the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA). Whether you’re trimming palm fronds, bagging leaves, or removing storm debris, it’s important to follow these guidelines to ensure safe, timely, and compliant yard waste disposal.
Key Yard Waste Rules in Boca Raton (SWA Guidelines)
Weekly Collection Schedule
Yard waste is collected once per week.
Set items at the curb no earlier than the evening before, and by 6 a.m. on pickup day.
Approved Containers & Bundling
Use paper lawn and leaf bags or reusable containers up to 32 gallons.
Plastic garbage bags are not accepted and will be left behind.
Tie branches with natural twine or cord—do not use wire or plastic ties.
Size & Weight Limits
Branches must be 6 feet or shorter and weigh under 50 pounds per bundle.
No container or bundle should exceed the 50-pound weight limit.
Overfilled bins, bulky limbs, or improperly packaged loads may be tagged and skipped.
Accepted Yard Debris
Leaves, grass clippings, twigs, palm fronds
Shrub and hedge trimmings
Garden and plant waste
Clean, untreated mulch or wood chips
All materials must be free of plastic, metal, soil, and synthetic materials.
Unaccepted Materials
Treated or painted wood, fencing, pressure-treated timber
Plastic pots, trays, and bags
Synthetic landscape fabric or turf
Construction debris, rocks, gravel, pavers
Stumps, dirt, or large root balls (must be disposed of separately)
Mixed or contaminated loads containing trash or recyclables
Bulk Pickup for Oversized Loads
If you exceed SWA’s weekly volume limits, you can:
Schedule a bulk pickup with SWA
Rent a Lowboy dumpster for large-scale yard projects, renovations, or post-storm cleanup
Storm Debris Cleanup
Following major storms or hurricanes, Boca Raton and SWA may issue emergency collection schedules. Sort storm debris by type and place it neatly at the curb—avoid mixing vegetative debris with other waste types.
Illegal Dumping Penalties
Dumping yard debris on vacant lots, near canals, or in the public right-of-way is illegal and subject to enforcement and fines under local codes.
Where to Get More Info or Report Issues
City of Boca Raton Sanitation Services
2500 NW 1st Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33431
🌐 https://myboca.us
📞 Tel: 561-416-3367
Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA)
7501 N Jog Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33412
🌐 https://swa.org
📞 Tel: 561-640-4000
When in doubt, contact your local sanitation provider or the SWA to confirm what materials are accepted, how to prepare yard waste, or where to dispose of larger items. Following these regulations helps keep Boca Raton clean, safe, and environmentally responsible.
