Summer is in full swing, and your landscaping routine probably is, too. While your yard might be looking spiffy after a long session of pruning, your garbage might not. All of that yard waste needs to go somewhere that’s not an illegal dump site.

The solution to your problem might be simpler than you think! Sometimes the easy way out isn’t the right one, but these five easy solutions may just change your mind when it comes to yard waste.

How Can I Get Rid of Yard Waste?

Backyard Composting
The waste hierarchy refers to the three “R”s: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Backyard composting just so happens to be one of the best forms of recycling out there, and it’s easier than you might think. Leaves, grass, and plant trimmings can be combined with fruit peels, coffee grounds, and even eggshells in a compost bin to create a rich and homemade fertilizer for your garden.

Call Sanitation
Most municipalities have a curbside removal service that will come pick up yard waste, and even advertise time frames and dates when the service will be running in your neighborhood. The best way to know, however, is to call. Often times there will even be a drop-off location close by.

Rent a Chipper
If you’re doing a lot of pruning and have some heavier branches to dispose of, it may be a good idea to rent a wood chipper. This works best if you go in with a few neighbors or friends and schedule a specific weekend to collaborate. This tool can provide you with fresh, immediately usable mulch for your yard, but remember to use extreme caution.

Compost Sites or Dumps
If you have the truck and the time, take your yard waste to a local composting facility or dump. If you’re going to a dump, try the recycling facility first. Over 87% of people in the United States have access to drop-off or curbside recycling services, so why not use them? There may be an extra fee required, but anything is better than dumping illegally.

Keep it for Campfires
Burning yard waste isn’t always legal, so before you burn anything or light a campfire, it’s important to call and check your local laws. If all goes well, grab the marshmallows and get to roasting!

Waste management encompasses up to 20 different industries, and curbside pickup is just one of them. There are countless waste disposal options available to you, so before you dump your excess yard trimmings somewhere they’re not supposed to be, try one of these solutions.