Yard waste dumpster in
San Jose, California.
Compare 34 roll-off dumpster companies for yard waste removal in San Jose. Branches, sod, leaves, and landscaping debris — find the right size and avoid overpaying for weight you won't use.
What counts as yard waste?
Accepted as yard waste
- • Tree branches and limbs
- • Leaves and grass clippings
- • Shrubs and bushes
- • Sod and turf
- • Small stumps (under 12″ diameter)
- • Garden plants and weeds
- • Mulch and wood chips
NOT yard waste (costs more)
- • Dirt, soil, or topsoil
- • Rocks, gravel, or stone
- • Concrete or pavers
- • Lumber, fencing, or construction debris
- • Large stumps (over 12″)
- • Household trash or furniture
- • Treated or painted wood
Common mistake:Mixing yard waste with construction debris or dirt. Most haulers charge $50–$150 more for mixed loads because they can't send it to a composting facility and must use a landfill instead.
Best dumpster sizes for yard waste in San Jose
| Size | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Yard | 12′ L × 8′ W × 3.5′ H | 1–2 tons | $250–$400 |
| 20 Yard | 22′ L × 8′ W × 4.5′ H | 2–3 tons | $300–$500 |
| 30 Yard | 22′ L × 8′ W × 6′ H | 3–4 tons | $400–$600 |
Tip:Yard waste is mostly light (branches at 200 lbs/yd), so you'll typically fill the volume before hitting the weight limit. The exception is sod (1,400 lbs/yd) — a full 20-yard of sod could hit 14 tons. Ask about weight limits if you're removing large amounts of sod or turf.
Municipal pickup vs dumpster in San Jose
| Factor | Municipal Pickup | Dumpster Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (included in taxes) | $250–$600 |
| Volume limit | 5–10 bags/bundles per week | 10–30 cubic yards at once |
| Schedule | Weekly, specific days only | On your timeline (7–14 days) |
| Size restrictions | Branches under 4′, bags under 50 lbs | No size limits within the bin |
| Best for | Weekly maintenance, light pruning | Big projects, storms, full cleanouts |
Bottom line:If you can fit your yard waste into a few weeks of municipal pickup, it's free. But for tree removals, storm damage, or landscaping overhauls that produce 5+ cubic yards of debris, a dumpster rental is the only practical option — and it gets done in days instead of weeks.
Composting option for yard waste
Many haulers in San Josesend yard waste to composting facilities rather than landfills. This is often cheaper because compost facilities charge lower tipping fees ($15–$30/ton vs $50–$80/ton at landfills) — savings that get passed through in lower rental prices.
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515 Boynton Ave #2, San Jose, CA 95117, USA
2842 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95124, USA
2033 Gateway Pl #500, San Jose, CA 95110, USA
2034 Woodard Rd, San Jose, CA 95124, USA
1440 Koll Cir, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
2724 Monterey Rd, San Jose, CA 95111, USA
760 Newhall Dr, San Jose, CA 95110, USA
1165 Mabury Rd, San Jose, CA 95133, USA
385 Willow St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA
944 County Hwy G10, San Jose, CA 95123, USA
1333 Oakland Rd, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
84 W Santa Clara St #939, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
348 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
586 N First St #215, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
1333 Oakland Rd, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
3077 Valley of Hearts Delight Pl, San Jose, CA 95136, USA
70 N 27th St, San Jose, CA 95116, USA
99 S Almaden Blvd #600, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
1615 S 7th St B, San Jose, CA 95112
1080 E Brokaw Rd, San Jose, CA 95131, USA
1611 S 7th St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
757 Warring Dr APT 3, San Jose, CA 95123, USA
224 Airport Pkwy #190, San Jose, CA 95110, USA
6203 San Ignacio Ave #110, San Jose, CA 95119, USA
6017 Snell Ave, San Jose, CA 95123, USA
2030 S 7th St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
625 N King Rd, San Jose, CA 95133, USA
92 N 5th St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
675 Los Esteros Rd, San Jose, CA 95134, USA
505 Eucalyptus Dr, San Jose, CA 95134
2266 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112
760 Newhall Dr #1015, San Jose, CA 95110
200 Ford Rd spc 19, San Jose, CA 95138, USA
554 Mountain Home Dr, San Jose, CA 95136
Seasonal pricing for yard waste dumpsters
Spring & fall are peak demand — book early
Yard waste dumpster demand in San Josespikes in spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) when landscaping projects and cleanups peak. During these months, prices may run 10–20% higher and availability drops. Book 5–7 days ahead during peak season vs. 2–3 days off-season.
Yard waste dumpster FAQ
What counts as yard waste for dumpster rental in San Jose?
Yard waste includes branches, tree limbs, leaves, grass clippings, shrubs, sod, stumps, and other organic landscaping debris. Most haulers in San Josedo NOT allow dirt, rocks, concrete, or construction materials mixed with yard waste — those require a heavy-debris dumpster at a higher rate.
What size dumpster do I need for yard waste in San Jose?
Most yard waste projects in San Jose use a 10 or 20 yard dumpster. A 10 yard handles a single large tree removal or seasonal cleanup. A 20 yard is better for full property cleanouts, multiple tree removals, or landscaping overhauls. Branches are light (200 lbs/yd) so volume is the constraint, not weight.
Is it cheaper to use municipal yard waste pickup in San Jose, California?
For small amounts (a few bags or a single brush pile), San Jose's municipal pickup is usually free or low-cost. But municipal services have strict limits — typically 5–10 bags or bundles per week with size restrictions. For large projects like tree removal, storm cleanup, or full landscaping overhauls, a dumpster rental is faster and handles the volume in one trip.
Yard waste dumpster near San Jose
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