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Yard Waste

Since 1991, the City has been collecting yard waste separate from household trash for composting rather than disposal.  More 12,000 tons of yard waste are diverted from the wastestream each year through the City's Yard Waste Program.  The yard waste materials collected from residents are taken to the City's Composting Facility for processing, and the finished products, compost and wood chip mulch, are offered back to the community for reuse.  

Yard Waste Collection Guidelines (Curbside Option)
The City provides residents with curbside collection of yard waste on their solid waste collection day. 

All yard waste collected curbside must meet the following guidelines:

  • Place yard waste at the curb by 8:00 am on your scheduled collection day.
  • Grass clippings, leaves, and small plant trimmings must be in compostable paper yard waste bags (no plastic bags).
  • Limbs and brush must be less than 4 inches in diameter, cut to no longer than 4 feet in length, and securely tied in bundles weighing less than 50 lbs.
  • All yard waste must be placed within 8 feet of the curb.
  • NOTE: any tree limbs or brush larger than 4 inches in diameter or not bundled according to these guidelines will require a scheduled bulk pick-up, or you will need to self-haul to the City's Composting Facility.


Yard Waste Drop-off (Self-Haul Option)
Residents can self-haul yard waste at the City's Composting Facility, Mon-Sat, 8 am - 4 pm.  There is no charge for this service, but residents will be asked to provide a copy of their City Services Bill showing sanitation charges, and a matching photo ID.


Bulk Pick-up Service
Residents can call 913-971-9311 to arrange for a bulk pick-up for tree limbs or brush that are left untied or are larger than the specified guidelines.  There is a charge for this service ($16 per 15 minutes of loading time), and it must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance of your solid waste collection day.

 yard waste bags  

Yard Waste Bags Available for Purchase
While customers are not required to use "City of Olathe" yard waste bags, the bags are available for purchase in bundles of 50 (bundle of 50 = $25 plus tax) at the following locations: 

  • City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe (M-F, 8 am - 5 pm)
  • Municipal Services Center, 1385 S. Robinson (M-F, 8 am - 5 pm)
  • Transfer Station, 1681 S. Valley Road (M-F, 7 am - 4 pm and Sat 7 am - noon)
  • Or call 913-971-9311 to have them delivered to your doorstep on your trash day (free delivery!)
 finished compost photo   Free Mulch & Compost
Olathe residents can pick up free mulch & compost from the City's Composting Facility, located at 127th & Hedge Lane (old city landfill), Mon-Sat, 8 am - 4 pm.  The compost and mulch are made from the processing of materials collected and managed through the City's residential yard waste collection program, and they are offered back to residents, free of charge, for use in their home landscapes.  Please call beforehand (913) 971-9311 to confirm the availability of materials, and remember to bring a shovel and a container to load it yourself!

Note: This service is only available to Olathe residential sanitation customers.  Residents will be asked to provide a copy of their current City Services Bill showing sanitation charges, and a matching photo ID.