Yard Waste

Yard Waste Disposal

Residents with a current Transfer Station permit may bring yard debris to the Transfer Station at 929 Highland Ave. There is no fee for disposal of leaves or grass clippings.  Woody brush up to 6" in diameter may be disposed of for a fee; refer to the Transfer Station's  Accepted Items & Fee Schedule (PDF) for pricing. Yard debris can be disposed of in three ways:  placed in biodegradable paper bags, brought loose in bulk, or transported in plastic trash bags and emptied onto the pile (must take plastic with you to reuse or dispose of properly.)  Leaves and grass clippings should be bagged separately from woody items. 

Please note that per city ordinance, yard debris is not permitted in your curbside trash or recycle containers, nor can it be piled in any City right of way.

Landscape Contractors

Landscape contractors holding a current Landscaper Transfer Station permit may use the Transfer Station to dispose of yard debris. Please refer to the Transfer Station's  Accepted Items & Fee Schedule (PDF) for contractor pricing.  Only debris from South Portland residential properties is accepted.

Curbside Leaf and Christmas Tree Collection

Autumn Leaf Collection

Curbside Leaf collection is conducted once per year, usually in November. Specific collection dates will be provided as the event nears. Place leaves in biodegradable paper bags (no plastic) by collection start date, and leave curbside until collected.  It's helpful if bags are placed in a pile, away from obstacles, rather than lined up in a row.  Our machinery works like giant salad tongs!  If you should miss the collection, leaves can be brought to the Transfer Facility, free of charge. 

Christmas Tree Collection

Trees are collected by Public Works staff (not the company that empties your trash bins) for approximately 2 weeks following Christmas. Specific collection dates will be provided as the event nears. Please be sure your trees are free of ornaments, tinsel and any other non-compostable items.  Place them curbside, near but not in the public right of way. If there is a snow event prior to pickup, please shake the snow off the tree so we can find it. If you should miss the collection period, trees can be brought to the Transfer Facility, free of charge. 

In 2026, trees will be picked up beginning Monday, January 5 through roughly January 16, weather permitting.