Material that commonly belongs together
CalRecycle describes green and pruning waste as grass clippings, leaves, branches, flower trimmings, hedge trimmings, and weeds. Local providers still control what they accept and how it must be prepared.
Material to keep out
Tracy’s published guidance excludes plastic bags and film, animal waste, gravel, rocks, concrete, treated or painted wood, and coated wood chips from the yard-waste bin.
Why branch size matters
The same Tracy guidance says brown-bin branches must fit with the lid closed and lists a maximum of six inches in diameter and three feet in length. Larger material needs another plan.
Build a useful material list
Count bags or piles, estimate the longest branch, note whether leaves are wet, and flag anything mixed in. Send photos rather than guessing at cubic volume.
Quick checklist
- Photograph the material and the loading route.
- Separate plant debris from trash, soil, rock, and treated wood.
- Measure tight gates and flag stairs or slopes.
- Confirm local curb and organics rules before staging in public space.