![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Yard and Wood Waste
Yard Trimmings
When you throw yard waste away with your trash it is sent to a landfill where it takes up space and produces methane gas, which contributes to global climate change. Backyard Burning of yard waste, such as leaves and trimmings, creates air pollution and is a fire hazard. That is why many communities ban or restrict trashing or burning yard waste. Many communities now have drop-off sites or curbside collection programs for yard waste. Or better yet, don't let your yard trimmings go to "waste" in the first place:
Grasscycle: Leave mown grass clippings on the lawn to decompose and return nutrients back to the soil, rather than bagging and disposing of them.
Create a backyard compost pile: Use this compost in your backyard garden or outdoor potted plants.
GreenScapes: Save water and money by applying these green landscaping strategies to your lawn.
Wood Waste
Homeowners
Doing a home renovation project? Consider donating any unused or recoverable building materials to a charity in your area. You can also purchase recovered wood and recycling wood products. Clearing your land as part of routine maintenance or cleaning up after a storm? Check with your municipal waste department to see how you should dispose of your wood waste; many communities offer collection programs to turn this waste into mulch or compost.
Wood Waste Resources
Businesses
Wood (e.g., urban wood waste, woody debris from suburban land clearing, and rural forestry residuals) comprises the largest percentage of the residential construction and demolition materials (C&D) waste stream - approximately 40 to 50 percent of residential new construction materials - according to the National Association of Home Builders Research Center. EPA estimates there are more than 500 wood processing facilities across the country. Recovered wood can be used for mulch, fuel, compost, animal bedding, or use in manufactured products such as particleboard. In many cases a disposal cost can be turned into a new revenue stream for businesses.
