Yard Waste Removal in Indianapolis: Branches, Stumps & Storm Cleanup (2026)
After every Indy storm, yards across Marion County are buried in branches, splintered fence boards, and toppled tree limbs. Here's how to clear it fast — and what the city will (and won't) take for free.
What counts as yard waste in Indianapolis?
- Branches and limbs (under 4 inches diameter)
- Leaves, grass clippings, hedge trimmings
- Garden debris and small stumps (under 2 ft across)
- NOT yard waste: treated lumber, root balls with dirt, painted fence boards, concrete or rocks
Free Indianapolis yard waste options
Indy DPW operates seasonal yard waste drop-off centers at 2700 S. Belmont Ave and 1725 S. West St. Residents can drop loose or bagged yard waste for free with a valid Marion County ID. Hours vary seasonally — confirm before driving over.
- Spring/Fall: Tuesday–Saturday 8 AM – 4 PM
- Summer: Saturdays only
- Winter: closed
- Bagged or in containers — no plastic bags accepted (kraft yard-waste bags only)
Curbside yard waste pickup
Indy DPW doesn't offer dedicated curbside yard-waste pickup — that's a Republic Services or contracted-hauler add-on. If you have private trash service, expect $8–$15/month for the yard waste cart. Branches must be tied in 4-ft bundles under 50 lbs.
Paid haul-away (for big jobs and storm debris)
After a major storm or for a one-time massive cleanup (think: half a tree on the lawn, a year of accumulated brush, an entire fence line), paid haul-away usually beats the time it'd take you to make 8 trips to the dropoff.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Small brush pile (½ pickup load) | $129 – $189 |
| Storm debris from one large tree | $249 – $399 |
| Fence tear-out + haul (40 ft) | $329 – $549 |
| Full property cleanup (¾ truck) | $429 – $599 |
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Get instant quoteWhat we won't take
Yard-waste rules are strict because the material gets composted, not landfilled. We can't accept root balls with dirt (they ruin the chipper), painted or treated lumber (chemicals), or anything mixed with garbage.
FAQ
Does Indianapolis pick up yard waste at the curb?
Not by default — Indy DPW offers free dropoff but no curbside yard-waste route. Republic Services and other private haulers offer a yard-waste cart add-on for $8–$15/month.
How much does it cost to remove a tree stump in Indianapolis?
Stump grinding alone runs $100–$200 per stump. Full removal with haul-away runs $250–$500 depending on root system. We handle the haul-away portion if you've already had it ground.
Can I burn yard waste in my Indianapolis backyard?
Open burning of yard waste is banned in Marion County. Hamilton, Hendricks, and Johnson counties have varying rules — check with your local fire marshal.
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