There are many ways to become a better recycler. Understanding what is recyclable and what isn’t in your community is the number one way to be a better, more effective recycler. But no matter where you live, some items should NEVER be recycled – for example, yard waste.

While there are a few sustainable ways to manage your yard waste, which include grass clippings and trimmings from trees, flowers, shrubs, and more, recycling that material isn’t one of them.

If you’re looking to implement more sustainable habits into your yard or lawn maintenance routine, then check out these tips from Republic Services:

• Don’t trash it. If you can avoid putting your lawn clippings or yard waste in the trash, you’re taking a small step to help support a greener environment. And no matter what, never place yard waste of any kind in your recycling bin.
• Let it be. Leaving clippings on your lawn will NOT damage the grass. If you mow your lawn so that the grass clippings are never more than two or three inches tall and leave the clippings where they fall – they will help enrich the soil. Don’t forget about those leaves. Did you know that you can also leave leaves on your lawn? According to Consumer Reports, leaves create a natural layer on any soil or grass and help foster and support a local ecosystem.
• Compost it. If you compost at home, yard trimmings can be added to an outdoor compost pile. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if all yard clippings were composted, we could keep about 33 million pounds of organic waste out of landfills each year. Composting is not the same process as recycling cans, paper and plastic, so never put organic waste in your curbside recycling bin. If you want to learn more about composting, check out our tips for starting an at-home compost bin.
• Get help. If you think that finding a way to sustainably manage your yard waste is overwhelming, then get help! Find a local yard waste or composting removal service to help you do good with your yard waste and lawn clippings. It’s a simple solution to remove yard debris while protecting the planet.

Taking pride in your yard or garden doesn’t mean taking up space in a landfill with yard waste. Dispose of your yard waste the correct way and then sit back and admire the beautiful – and sustainable – outdoor space you’ve created!