You pruned the trees, cleaned up after a storm, or finally tackled that overgrown corner of the yard. Now you’ve got a pile of branches sitting on your lawn and no idea what to do with them. Sound familiar?
Seattle generates a lot of green waste — it comes with living in a city full of trees. Here’s how to get rid of tree branches, yard debris, and everything that comes with it.
Your Options for Disposing of Tree Branches in Seattle
1. Curbside Green Bin Collection
If you’ve got a manageable amount of small branches and yard trimmings, your green bin might be all you need. Seattle Public Utilities picks up green waste on your regular collection day.
Keep in mind:
- Branches need to be cut to fit inside the bin with the lid closed.
- There are weight limits — check SPU’s guidelines for your bin size.
- Larger branches and stumps won’t fit and need a different approach.
2. Drop Off at a Transfer Station
For bigger loads, you can haul branches to the North Recycling and Disposal Station or the South Transfer Station. They accept yard waste for a fee based on weight. This works well if you have a truck or trailer and a lot of debris to move.
3. Composting
If you’ve got the space and patience, composting is the most hands-on option:
- Small branches and twigs can go straight into a compost bin.
- Larger branches need to be chipped first. You can rent a chipper from most hardware stores for about $100-200/day.
- Wood chips make excellent mulch for garden beds.
4. Donate or Sell the Wood
Larger branches and trunk sections have value to the right people:
- Firewood: Hardwood branches make good firewood. Post on Craigslist or your local Buy Nothing group.
- Woodworkers: Interesting grain or species? Local woodworkers and carpenters might want it.
- Chip Drop: Services like Chip Drop connect arborists with homeowners who want free wood chips — you may be able to arrange a pickup.
5. Hire a Yard Waste Removal Crew
When you’ve got a serious pile — storm damage, a major pruning project, or a yard that hasn’t been touched in years — the fastest option is to call someone with a truck.
At Junk B Gone, we handle yard waste removal across Seattle and the surrounding area. We load it, haul it, and make sure it goes to the right place — compost facilities, recycling centers, or green waste processing.
Why Tree Branches Shouldn’t Go to the Landfill
Tree branches and yard waste are organic material. When they decompose in a landfill (instead of a compost facility), they produce methane — a greenhouse gas that’s roughly 80 times more potent than CO2 over a 20-year period.
Composting or processing green waste at the right facility turns it into mulch, soil amendments, or biofuel. That’s a much better outcome than burying it in a landfill, and it’s one of the reasons we sort everything we pick up.
Quick Reference: Branch Disposal Options
| Method | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Green bin (SPU) | Small amounts, regular maintenance | Included in utility bill |
| Transfer station drop-off | Medium loads, if you have a truck | ~$30-60 per load |
| Composting at home | Gardeners with space and time | Free (or chipper rental) |
| Donate/sell wood | Large, usable wood | Free |
| Junk B Gone pickup | Large amounts, no truck, no time | Starting at $99 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put tree branches in my Seattle green bin?
Yes, as long as they’re cut small enough to fit with the lid closed. Larger branches, stumps, and heavy loads need to go to a transfer station or be picked up by a yard waste removal service.
How much does yard waste removal cost?
With Junk B Gone, pricing starts at $99. The final cost depends on the volume — a small pile of branches costs less than a full yard clearing. We give you the price before we start.
Do you take stumps and roots?
We can haul away stumps and roots that have already been cut or pulled. We don’t do the actual tree cutting or stump grinding — but once the arborist is done, we’ll clear the debris.
Where does the yard waste go after you pick it up?
We take it to licensed green waste processing facilities where it’s composted or converted into mulch and soil amendments. It stays out of the landfill.
Can you come the same day?
Usually, yes. Call us in the morning at (206) 722-4285 and we’ll do our best to get there the same day.
Yard Full of Branches? We’ll Handle It.
Free estimates, same-day service, and a crew that treats your home like their own.
