[INPUT ARTICLE TYPE] Blog/Informational Article
[INPUT ARTICLE TITLE] Yard Waste Disposal Options in Savannah, GA
[MDX CONTENT] Living here in Savannah means enjoying the shade of massive live oaks and the charm of Spanish moss, but it also means dealing with the constant cleanup that comes with them. Whether it’s the spring pollen coating everything in yellow or the heavy leaf drops that seem to happen year-round, staying on top of yard debris is a weekly battle for most of us. You know how quickly a manageable pile of branches can turn into a code violation if you aren’t careful?
We see it all the time—homeowners getting stuck with piles the city won’t touch because of a small technicality. Knowing the exact rules for curbside pickup, where to haul the big stuff, and when to call in help can save you significant time and frustration.
Here is a complete guide to yard waste disposal options available to Savannah homeowners.
Municipal Curbside Collection
The City of Savannah provides weekly curbside yard waste collection, but it operates on a strict set of guidelines that many residents overlook. This service is included in your sanitation fee, making it the most cost-effective choice for routine maintenance, provided you follow the rules to the letter.
The “Day After” Schedule
Unlike your regular household trash, yard waste is typically collected on the day following your regular refuse collection day. If your trash is picked up on Tuesday, you should generally expect yard waste collection on Wednesday. It is crucial to have your bags or bundles at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection day, as crews will not return for late set-outs.
Detailed Acceptance Criteria
The city has precise limits on what they will take, specifically regarding weight and packaging:
- The 15-Bag Limit: You are limited to 15 biodegradable paper bags per week.
- The 40-Pound Rule: No single bag or bundle can weigh more than 40 pounds.
- Bundle Dimensions: Limbs and branches must be tied into bundles no longer than 4 feet and no wider than 12 inches in diameter.
- Material Types: Accepted items include grass clippings, leaves, small branches, and shrub trimmings.
Common Violations to Avoid
The most common reason for a “missed” pickup is using the wrong container. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited for yard waste in Savannah; if you use them, the city will leave them at the curb. Additionally, piling loose leaves or debris in the street or gutter is a violation of city ordinance because it clogs storm drains and causes flooding. Always keep your bags and bundles on the grass verge, not the asphalt.
Bulk Limits and Fees
If you have a pile that cannot be bagged or bundled, the city may collect it, but there are strings attached.
- The 5-Minute Rule: If a pile takes the claw truck (Knuckleboom) more than five minutes to collect, you will be charged an extra fee.
- Unscheduled Pickup: For large piles outside of routine collection, you may need to schedule a bulk pickup, which often starts with a base fee of around $25, increasing based on the volume of debris.
Drop-Off Facilities for Savannah & Chatham County
When you have more than 15 bags or limbs that exceed the 4-foot limit, hauling the debris yourself is a viable option if you have a truck. Access to these facilities depends on whether you live within the city limits or in unincorporated Chatham County.
For City of Savannah Residents
Residents within city limits can utilize specific transfer stations.
- Bacon Park Transfer Station: Located at 6400 Skidaway Road, this facility is strictly for city residents. It is open Wednesday through Sunday (closed Mon-Tues) and accepts yard waste and household recyclables.
- Dean Forest Road Landfill: Located at 1327 Dean Forest Road, this site accepts waste from city residents. Hours are generally Monday through Saturday, but always check the city website before hitching up your trailer.
For Unincorporated Chatham County Residents
If you live outside city limits (like on the islands or in the Georgetown area), you have different options.
- Chevis Road Drop-Off Center: Located off U.S. Highway 17 (south of Keller’s Flea Market).
- Sharon Park: Located on Kelly Hill Road.
- Wilmington Island: Located off Concorde Road.
Important Requirement: To use these county facilities without a direct per-load fee, you typically need to show proof of residency, such as a current property tax bill or a “Solid Waste Fee” receipt. Without this documentation, you may be turned away or charged a commercial tipping fee.
Composting in the Coastal Empire
Backyard composting is an excellent way to bypass the 15-bag limit, but Savannah’s specific flora presents a unique challenge. While our warm, humid climate usually speeds up decomposition, our most common tree—the Southern Live Oak—drops leaves that are notoriously tough to break down.
The Live Oak Challenge
Live oak leaves have a thick, waxy coating and high tannin content that can resist decay for over a year if left whole. To compost them effectively in Savannah, you must shred them first using a lawnmower or leaf shredder. Mixing these shredded “browns” with nitrogen-rich “greens” like grass clippings or vegetable scraps is the only way to get them to decompose in a reasonable timeframe.
The “1/3 Rule” for Grass
We recommend “Grasscycling” to reduce the volume of waste you need to manage. This involves leaving grass clippings on the lawn rather than bagging them. The general rule is to cut no more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time. This practice returns nutrients to your soil and saves you the cost of purchasing paper bags.
Professional Yard Waste Removal
Sometimes, the volume of debris is simply too high for curbside pickup, or the physical labor of bagging and bundling is not feasible. This is where a professional service bridges the gap between limited municipal options and the hassle of renting a truck.
Coastal Junk Pros offers dedicated yard waste removal designed for Savannah’s heavy vegetation. Our team handles the projects that the city restrictions won’t cover:
- Oversized Limbs: We take logs and branches that exceed the 4-foot length or 6-inch diameter limits.
- Plastic Bag Removal: If you accidentally used plastic bags and the city rejected them, we can haul them away.
- Storm Debris Surges: We respond quickly after tropical storms when municipal routes are delayed by weeks.
- Full Cleanouts: Ideal for overgrown lots or rental properties that need a “reset” button.
We bring the trucks, the labor, and the tools to clear your property in a single visit. You don’t need to worry about the 15-bag limit or cutting branches down to size; we take it all as-is.
Comparing Your Options
The following table breaks down how each method stacks up regarding volume and effort.
| Option | Best For | Volume Limit | Cost | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Curbside | Weekly maintenance | 15 Bags / 40 lbs each | Free (in fees) | High (if rules followed) |
| Bacon Park / Chevis Rd | One-off large projects | Truck/Trailer load | Free (with residency proof) | Low (requires hauling) |
| Home Composting | Kitchen scraps & grass | Small / Shredded leaves | Free | High (ongoing effort) |
| Professional Removal | Storm debris & heavy lots | Unlimited | Volume-based | Highest (we do the loading) |
When to Call a Professional
There are specific scenarios where professional removal is more practical than waiting on the city.
- Hurricane Season (June-Nov): When a storm hits, the city’s “Knuckleboom” trucks often fall weeks behind schedule; a private hauler can clear your yard immediately.
- The “5-Minute” Limit: If your debris pile is large enough to trigger the city’s excess time fee, professional removal often provides better value and speed.
- Real Estate Listings: Curb appeal is critical in the competitive Savannah market, and you cannot afford to have debris sitting on the curb for days.
- Hardscape Removal: City crews will not take landscape timbers, old fencing, or railroad ties; we handle these mixed materials regularly.
Keep Your Savannah Property Looking Its Best
Proper disposal prevents pest issues like palmetto bugs and snakes that thrive in neglected debris piles. Whether you stick to the strict weekly schedule of the city crews or bring us in for a heavy-duty cleanout, the goal is a safe, clear property that adds to the beauty of our historic city.
Need help tackling a mountain of yard waste? Call us at (912) 555-0247 for a free estimate. We are ready to help you reclaim your yard today.
