Yard Waste

Yard waste consists of excess leaves, grass, tree and shrubbery trimmings and other organic material removed in general maintenance of property by the homeowner. Yard waste does not consist of construction debris, demolition debris, dirt, brick, block, sod, mud, pavement or any other material that could be defined as household waste or non-compost material.

These items are considered acceptable yard waste:

  • All tree trimmings, dead plants, weeds, leaves, and dead tree debris not exceeding six feet (6’) in length, four inches (4”) in diameter and yard debris in bags no heavier than 50 pounds per bag. 
  • Bagged leaves will be collected along with residents’ garbage and recyclables. All bagged leaves must be free of sticks and other debris. Residents are allowed up to 20 bags per week. Bags cannot be larger than 40 gallons in size and cannot be more than 50 pounds in weight.
  • There is a 4 cubic yard limit per pick-up.

The Town of Davidson encourages residents to use paper bags or sustainable methods of eliminating yard waste in support of the town's sustainability initiatives. Free Kraft bags are available by visiting North Mecklenburg Recycling Center, located at 12300 Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC 28078.  

Bagged Leaf Collection FAQs

How do I get my leaves into bags?

Many people use a plastic 44-gallon container to support bags and ease the process of bagging. An internet search of “leaf scoop” shows over 15 products available to facilitate bagging leaves.

What types of bags can be used?

The maximum bag size is 40 gallons. We strongly encourage residents to use biodegradable paper bags, as at this time, Mecklenburg County cannot recycle plastic leaf bags due to the moisture and debris present in them. Biodegradable “Kraft” paper bags, however, can be recycled at the facility, and you can purchase them at most home improvement and hardware stores. Free Kraft bags are available by visiting North Mecklenburg Recycling Center, located at 12300 Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC 28078. Plastic containers, wheelbarrows, etc. cannot be used to contain leaves for collection.

What are my other options?

There are several good options for residents to manage leaves:

  • Leaf mulching: Similar to “grasscycling,” leaf mulching involves the use of a rotary mower to mulch leaves directly back to the turf. While mulching mowers are the preferred equipment, almost any rotary mower can be used. Numerous university research reports have detailed how leaf mulching affects turf performance. In almost every instance, the results show that chopping up deciduous leaves as part of a regular mowing schedule is an effective means of managing these leaves without harming the turf. A study done at Purdue University supports this.
  • Composting: Composting relies on the natural process of decomposition to break down elements such as leaves, grass, and various kitchen scraps into a nutrient-rich, soil-like material that can be used as fertilizer on gardens and potted plants. For more information, contact Davidson Parks & Recreation at dpr@townofdavidson.org or by calling 704-892-3349.
  • Landscape contractors: Residents can hire a private landscape contractor to remove their leaves. The town’s solid waste ordinance has always prohibited landscape contractors from placing loose leaves curbside; yard waste generated by private contractors will not be collected.

What happens to the leaves after they are picked up?

Waste Pro, the town’s contractor, delivers the leaves to the North Mecklenburg Recycling Center in Huntersville where they are composted and re-sold to the public.