Key Takeaways
- The national industry baseline range for yard cleanup is $125 to $400, priced mostly by volume.
- Storm damage and large tree debris can run higher because the work is labor-intensive.
- Clean yard debris tips for far less than mixed waste, so keeping it separate saves money.
Living in Oregon means dealing with yard waste. Between the wet winters that drop branches, the fall leaves that pile up in every corner, and the spring growth that turns your backyard into a jungle, there is always something that needs to be cleared.
Your curbside green bin handles the weekly maintenance. But when you are dealing with a major cleanup -- storm damage, overgrown landscaping, tree removal debris, or a full property cleanout -- you need more than a 60-gallon cart. Here is what professional yard waste removal costs in Oregon and how to get the best value.
Yard Waste Removal Cost by Volume
Industry Baseline Range
| Service | Industry baseline range |
|---|---|
| Yard cleanup and yard waste removal | $125 to $400 |
Source: HomeGuide, "Yard Cleanup Cost" national cost guide.
These are industry baseline ranges for planning only and may not reflect Otesse's price. Otesse pricing is calculated for your specific home and ZIP code, so enter your ZIP in the price box on this page for your instant price.
Current Market Reality
Yard waste removal is priced mostly on volume, measured in how much of the truck your debris fills. Material type matters too: bulky branches take more space than compressed leaves, and stumps, soil, and storm debris take more labor.
| What moves the price | Pushes it up | Keeps it lower |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Full truck or multiple trucks | A small pile |
| Material | Stumps, soil, whole limbs | Bagged leaves and clippings |
| Sorting | Yard waste mixed with household junk | Clean, separated yard debris |
| Urgency | Right after a storm | Flexible scheduling |
| Prep | Uncut branches, scattered debris | Cut, piled, and staged near access |
Every home is different. For a price built on your own home rather than a national range, enter your ZIP in the price box on this page for your instant price.
| Volume | Common Scenarios |
|---|---|
| Small pile (1/8 truck) | A few branches, bags of leaves, small garden cleanout |
| Medium pile (1/4 truck) | Hedge trimmings, moderate branch pile, flower bed overhaul |
| Large pile (1/2 truck) | Full yard cleanup, multiple tree trimmings, major leaf removal |
| Very large (3/4 truck) | Overgrown property cleanup, multiple trees worth of debris |
| Full truck | Complete property cleanout, storm damage, heavy brush |
| Multiple trucks | Large property or lot clearing, major storm cleanup |
Cost by Yard Waste Type
Not all yard waste is created equal. Different materials have different handling requirements and disposal costs.
Branches and Brush
A pile that fits in a pickup bed costs the least, a 6-8 ft diameter pile more, and a pile that fills half a truck more again.
Branches are bulky but light. They take up a lot of truck space relative to their weight, which means you are paying for volume rather than tonnage. Cutting branches into smaller pieces before pickup can reduce your volume and save money.
Leaves and Grass Clippings
Leaves and grass compress well, so they take up less truck space than you might expect. A yard covered in 6 inches of leaves might only fill a quarter of the truck once loaded and compressed.
Cost rises with the bag count: 10-20 bags is a small job, 20-40 bags a medium one, and 40+ bags or large loose piles a large one.
Oregon tip: Many cities offer free leaf drop-off programs in the fall. Portland, Eugene, and Salem all have seasonal leaf collection programs that cost nothing if you are willing to bag and transport the leaves yourself.
Stumps and Roots
Stump removal is a specialized service that most junk removal companies handle differently:
- Small stumps (under 12 inches diameter) -- the least expensive to grind or remove
- Medium stumps (12-24 inches) -- cost more
- Large stumps (24+ inches) -- the most expensive, and priced per stump
Note: Stump grinding (leaving the roots in place) is different from full stump removal (extracting the root ball). Grinding is cheaper and sufficient for most homeowners. Full removal is necessary if you are building something on the spot.
Storm Debris
Oregon's Willamette Valley gets its share of windstorms, ice storms, and heavy rain events. Storm debris removal is often urgent and involves a mix of branches, whole limbs, and sometimes downed trees.
Storm debris removal typically costs more than standard yard waste because of:
- Urgency -- You need it done quickly, often before you can use your driveway or yard.
- Complexity -- Tangled branches, leaning limbs, and debris spread across the property take more time to load.
- Volume -- A single downed tree can fill an entire truck by itself.
If you are dealing with storm damage, check your homeowner's insurance policy. Many policies cover debris removal when it results from a covered event (windstorm, ice storm, etc.).
Why Yard Waste Is Cheaper Than Regular Junk
Here is something that works in your favor: yard waste disposal is significantly cheaper than mixed solid waste in Oregon.
Tipping fee comparison:
- Portland metro -- Metro Central Transfer Station charges $176.70 per ton for garbage and $56 per ton for clean yard debris as of September 2026, check current rates.
- Eugene, Salem -- Lane County and Marion County facilities also charge less for clean yard debris than for garbage; check current rates.
That is a fraction of the disposal cost. A good junk removal company sorts yard waste separately from other materials to take advantage of lower tipping fees -- and passes those savings along to you.
Haulers that sort yard waste from other debris can use lower green-waste tipping fees, which keeps costs down and routes material to composting or mulching rather than the landfill. It is worth asking whether a hauler sorts. Learn more about our junk removal services.
DIY Yard Waste Disposal Options
Curbside Green Bin
Your weekly yard debris cart (typically 60 gallons) handles routine maintenance. But for big cleanups, you would need weeks of fill-and-empty cycles to get through a serious pile.
Self-Haul to Transfer Station
Most Oregon transfer stations accept yard debris:
- Portland metro -- Metro Central Transfer Station charges by weight: a $37 minimum and $56 per ton for clean yard debris as of September 2026, check current rates.
- Salem area -- Marion County facilities charge by weight; check current rates.
- Eugene-Springfield -- Lane County facilities charge by weight; check current rates.
You will need a truck or trailer, and you will spend a Saturday loading, driving, unloading, and driving back.
Composting at Home
If you have space, composting leaves and small yard waste is free and creates valuable garden amendment. Oregon's climate is excellent for composting. However, this only works for leaves, grass, and small trimmings -- not for branches, stumps, or large-scale debris.
Burning (Limited)
Oregon has strict burn regulations. Open burning of yard debris is banned in most incorporated cities and within the Portland metro UGB. Rural areas may allow burning with a permit during designated burn seasons (typically October through June). Check with your local fire district before burning anything.
Seasonal Considerations in Oregon
Fall (October - November): Peak leaf season. Yard waste removal demand is high. Book early for leaf cleanup, and take advantage of any municipal leaf programs.
Winter (December - February): Storm damage season. Ice storms and windstorms create urgent debris situations. Availability may be limited during major weather events.
Spring (March - May): Growth season. Overgrown landscaping and spring cleanups drive demand. Good time to tackle the brush pile that built up over winter.
Summer (June - September): Driest months. Best time for large-scale yard cleanups because the material is lighter (less water weight) and easier to handle. Fire season may restrict burning in rural areas.
FAQ
Can I mix yard waste with other junk?
You can, but it will cost more. Mixed loads go to general waste facilities with higher tipping fees. If you keep yard waste separate from household junk, you get the benefit of lower green waste disposal rates.
Do you take dirt and soil?
Dirt and soil are extremely heavy and most junk removal companies charge a premium or decline to take them. A cubic yard of soil weighs approximately 2,000 pounds. If you have soil to move, consider renting a dump trailer or hiring an excavation company.
Will you remove a tree?
Junk removal companies generally do not cut down standing trees -- that is an arborist's job. But junk removal crews typically haul away trees that are already down, cut-up tree rounds and limbs, and the debris left behind after tree service.
What about blackberry bushes?
Oregon's invasive Himalayan blackberries are a constant battle. Most junk removal crews haul away cut blackberry canes but do not do the cutting themselves. Cut and pile the canes first so they can be loaded. Budget for extra volume -- blackberry canes are incredibly bulky.
Is yard waste pickup available same-day?
It depends on the hauler's schedule. Yard waste jobs are relatively quick to complete, but demand peaks during fall leaf season, and availability may be limited during major winter weather events. Book early when you can, and contact us to check current availability.
Get Your Yard Cleaned Up
Oregon yards generate a lot of debris, and hauling it yourself gets old fast. Otesse sends local, background-checked crews and quotes upfront with no hidden fees. Enter your ZIP in the price box to see which services are available at your address. Every yard is different, so the real number depends on volume, material, and access. Get a quote and we will walk you through it.
See our junk removal cost guide for general pricing, or check bulk trash pickup options for mixed loads.
Get a Quote or call us at 541-844-2585.
