Yes, you can conduct your own leaf removal, but consider that keeping up with leaf removal is time-consuming and requires regular yard work throughout the fall. The process can take a few hours a week. Professionals have lawn equipment that can speed up the process and save you time. Additionally, consider how you’ll dispose of the leaves. If your sanitation company won’t pick them up—especially if you have many bags from a once-annual cleanup— you’ll have to drive the bags to the dump. It’s usually easier to leave the work and disposal to a professional leaf removal service.
While a rented dumpster can handle a wide variety of materials, there are significant restrictions on what is allowed. Generally, you can dispose of most non-hazardous household junk, yard waste, and construction debris.
Accepted items typically include:
Furniture, carpets, old linens, and toys
Wood and yard debris
Small appliances and excess trash
Renovation waste like old finishes, building debris, and roofing materials (unless they contain lead paint or asbestos)
However, you cannot put toxic, flammable, or hazardous materials in a dumpster. Prohibited items almost always include:
Paint, gasoline, oil, and other fuels
Household cleaners and other chemicals
Electronics, batteries, and tires
Refrigerators, hot water tanks, and medical waste
Since regulations can vary by location and company, it is essential to check with your dumpster rental provider for their specific list of accepted and prohibited items before you begin.
Accepted materials include construction debris, office furniture, and general waste. Hazardous items may require special handling.
There are several ways to decompose yard waste quickly. The first step is to move all debris into a compost bin or pile. From there, microorganisms, bacteria, and insects will break down the yard waste into compost. To speed things up, shred the waste into smaller pieces, add live worms to the pile, or introduce nitrogen-rich compost accelerators like grass clippings, coffee grounds, and manure. Turn the compost over every few days. This process, called aerating, allows oxygen to get in and accelerate decomposition.
It may sound icky, but yes, urine encourages microbial activity that breaks down organic matter faster. It’s rich in nitrogen, which helps balance carbon-heavy materials like dry leaves or straw. Use sparingly and apply it to a well-balanced pile, not one already high in nitrogen.
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