Yard Waste Removal Cost: Pricing by Volume and Type
Quick Answer
Yard waste removal in Oregon costs $100 to $700+ depending on how much material you have and what type it is. A small pile of branches and leaves (1/8 truck) runs $100 to $175. A medium cleanup (1/2 truck) costs $250 to $400. A full truck of yard debris ranges from $450 to $700. Storm damage cleanup and large tree debris can run higher due to the labor-intensive nature of the work.
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
| Volume | Price Range | Common Scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| Small pile (1/8 truck) | $100 - $175 | A few branches, bags of leaves, small garden cleanout |
| Medium pile (1/4 truck) | $150 - $250 | Hedge trimmings, moderate branch pile, flower bed overhaul |
| Large pile (1/2 truck) | $250 - $400 | Full yard cleanup, multiple tree trimmings, major leaf removal |
| Very large (3/4 truck) | $400 - $550 | Overgrown property cleanup, multiple trees worth of debris |
| Full truck | $450 - $700 | Complete property cleanout, storm damage, heavy brush |
| Multiple trucks | $800 - $1,500+ | 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
| Amount | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small pile (fits in a pickup bed) | $100 - $175 |
| Medium pile (6-8 ft diameter) | $200 - $350 |
| Large pile (fills half a truck) | $300 - $450 |
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.
| Amount | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 10-20 bags | $100 - $175 |
| 20-40 bags | $150 - $275 |
| 40+ bags or large loose piles | $250 - $400 |
Oregon tip: Many cities offer free leaf drop-off programs in the fall. Portland, Eugene, and Salem all have seasonal leaf collection programs that can save you money 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) — $75 to $200 per stump for grinding or removal
- Medium stumps (12-24 inches) — $150 to $400
- Large stumps (24+ inches) — $300 to $800+
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 10 to 20 percent 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:
- Mixed solid waste — $100 to $120 per ton (Portland metro)
- Clean yard debris — $40 to $60 per ton (Portland metro)
- Clean yard debris — $30 to $50 per ton (Eugene, Salem)
That is roughly half 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.
At Otesse, we always sort yard waste from other debris. This keeps your cost lower and ensures green waste goes to composting or mulching facilities rather than the landfill. 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 transfer stations charge by weight, approximately $40 to $60 per ton for clean yard debris.
- Salem area — Similar pricing through Marion County facilities.
- Eugene-Springfield — Lane County facilities typically charge $30 to $50 per ton.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 we do remove 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. Junk removal crews will haul away cut blackberry canes, but they typically do not do the cutting themselves. Cut and pile the canes, and we will take them away. Budget for extra volume — blackberry canes are incredibly bulky.
Is yard waste pickup available same-day? Often yes, depending on scheduling. Yard waste jobs are relatively quick to complete, making them good candidates for same-day service. Contact us for availability.
Get Your Yard Cleaned Up
Oregon yards generate a lot of debris, and hauling it yourself gets old fast. At Otesse, we handle yard waste removal across the I-5 corridor with volume-based pricing that reflects the lower disposal costs of green waste.
See our junk removal cost guide for general pricing, or check bulk trash pickup options for mixed loads.
Get Your Free Quote or call us at 541-844-2585.
