City of Fort Worth promotes green yard cart program and alternative collection methods to reduce landfill waste and encourage responsible landscaping habits
Fort Worth, Texas – As spring arrives and the warm weather begins to coax plants back to life, many residents are turning their attention outdoors. While the season is often associated with clearing out closets and scrubbing down the house, yard maintenance is just as important—and often overlooked. This year, the City of Fort Worth is reminding residents to think beyond the indoors and take the proper steps to dispose of yard waste the right way.
A big part of responsible yard care is knowing where that waste should go. Yard trimmings, leaves, branches, and other green waste shouldn’t be tossed into the regular garbage or recycling bins. Not only does this take up valuable space in landfills, but it also contributes to environmental issues like excess greenhouse gas emissions. More importantly, improper disposal can harm local ecosystems by introducing invasive materials into the waste stream.
One of the easiest ways to manage yard waste is by using a green yard cart. These 96-gallon carts are specifically designed for yard debris and can be placed curbside for weekly collection. They’re available for a one-time purchase of $75, which many residents find to be a worthwhile investment during the busy spring season.
For those who prefer not to use a cart, another option is to use large brown Kraft paper bags. Available at most hardware stores, these biodegradable bags can hold items such as leaves, grass clippings, shrubs, and small branches. Once filled, the bags should be folded closed and left out at the curb for regular pickup—no special arrangements needed.
Larger items like tree limbs or thick branches that don’t fit in a cart or bag can still be collected. The city allows residents to stack oversized yard waste in a pile at the curb. However, it’s important to keep these piles at least two feet away from any bulk trash items to avoid confusion during collection.
For those who miss their regular pickup days or prefer a more hands-on approach, the city also offers four Drop-Off Stations where yard waste can be taken directly. These facilities provide another convenient option for residents working through bigger landscaping projects or doing cleanups that don’t line up with the weekly collection schedule.
The city emphasizes that yard waste must be kept clean—free from rocks, plastic bags, bottles, metal, and any kind of trash. Contaminated yard waste can’t be collected and will be left behind, so it’s important to sort carefully.
Residents interested in purchasing a green yard cart can call the Fort Worth 311 Contact Center at 817-392-1234 or email [email protected].
Spring cleaning doesn’t end at the front door. Taking a few extra steps to handle yard waste properly can go a long way toward protecting the environment, reducing landfill impact, and keeping Fort Worth neighborhoods clean and green.
