Yard waste dumpster in
Knoxville, Tennessee.
Compare 17 roll-off dumpster companies for yard waste removal in Knoxville. 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 Knoxville
| 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 Knoxville
| 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 Knoxvillesend 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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2145 Wilson Rd, Knoxville, TN 37912, USA
1712 Sterchi St, Knoxville, TN 37921, USA
1302 Dutch Valley Dr, Knoxville, TN 37918, USA
4421 Whittle Springs Rd C, Knoxville, TN 37917, USA
2400 Chipman St, Knoxville, TN 37917, USA
7828 Oak Ridge Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37931, USA
820 Metler Dr, Knoxville, TN 37912, USA
7121 Regal Lane Suite 126, Knoxville, TN 37938, USA
3501 Neal Dr, Knoxville, TN 37918, USA
1920 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921, USA
6134 Industrial Heights Dr NW, Knoxville, TN 37909, USA
5200 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37914, USA
312 Winona St, Knoxville, TN 37917, USA
900 E Hill Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915, USA
2106 Western Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921, USA
810 W Hill Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA
6541 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA
Seasonal pricing for yard waste dumpsters
Spring & fall are peak demand — book early
Yard waste dumpster demand in Knoxvillespikes 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 Knoxville?
Yard waste includes branches, tree limbs, leaves, grass clippings, shrubs, sod, stumps, and other organic landscaping debris. Most haulers in Knoxvilledo 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 Knoxville?
Most yard waste projects in Knoxville 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 Knoxville, Tennessee?
For small amounts (a few bags or a single brush pile), Knoxville'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.