Yard Waste Removal Pricing Guide

Assess material type and volume on arrival

Walk the entire property before quoting on-site adjustments. Identify material types — dry brush, wet leaves, logs, soil — because each has different weight and disposal routing. Estimate truck loads by measuring pile dimensions and compressing a test section by hand. Yard waste compresses 40–60% when packed.

Yard waste removal costs $100–$200 for a small pile (quarter truck), $200–$400 for a half truck, and $400–$600+ for a full truck load. Green waste disposal is the cheapest category at $15–$35 per ton, keeping your total job cost well below mixed-debris or furniture removal. Wet material costs more because soaked leaves and grass weigh 3–5× more than dry, increasing both fuel consumption and disposal fees. Always ask about recent rainfall before quoting.

Most junk removal companies remove cut branches, brush, and tree debris — not standing trees. If the trunk is under 8–12 inches diameter and already down, a junk crew can buck it with a chainsaw and haul it. Standing trees, root balls, and stumps over 12 inches require a licensed tree service with a chipper, crane access, and arborist insurance. Many operators partner with local tree services and haul the debris they leave behind for $200–$400 per load.

Green waste includes branches, brush, leaves, grass clippings, hedge trimmings, untreated wood, and plant material. It does not include soil, rocks, sod with dirt attached, treated or painted lumber, plastic bags, or household trash. Composting facilities inspect loads on arrival and reject contaminated material on the spot. A rejected load forces you to the MSW landfill at $55–$85 per ton — roughly triple the green waste rate — so train your crew to keep loads clean.

Peak yard waste demand runs March through May for spring cleanup and September through November for fall leaf removal. These two windows typically generate 50–65% of annual yard waste revenue for junk removal operators. Storm damage creates unpredictable spikes year-round — ice storms in winter and wind events in summer both produce emergency demand at premium pricing. Smart operators launch marketing campaigns two weeks before each season to fill schedules first.

Price yard waste by estimated truck volume, not by the hour. A quarter truck at $100–$200, half truck at $200–$400, and full truck at $400–$600+ covers most residential jobs. Factor in material weight — dry brush is light but wet grass is extremely heavy and costs more at the scale. Add $75–$150 for backyard carries over 75 feet and a 25–30% surcharge for wet conditions after rain. Track your actual disposal costs per load for 30 jobs to dial in your pricing accurately.