Life event guide
Garden Waste Disposal Guide
How to dispose of pruned branches and fallen leaves.
Based on official municipal information Updated Apr 2026日本語
Garden waste — where do you start?
- Check the local rules Length, thickness, bundling and bag requirements.
- Separate soil and stones Most municipalities do not collect soil or stones.
- Put out or drop off For large volumes, self drop-off is more reliable.
Sorting Garden Waste
| Type | Category | How to Dispose |
|---|---|---|
| Branches (under 10cm thick) | Burnable garbage | Cut to under 50cm, bundle |
| Branches (10cm+ thick) | Oversized garbage | Application required |
| Fallen leaves, grass | Burnable garbage | Place in designated bags |
| Soil, stones | Not collected | Home center collection or hire contractor |
| Plant pot (ceramic) | Non-burnable | Wrap in newspaper |
| Plant pot (plastic) | Burnable or recyclable | Varies by municipality |
For Large Amounts
Method 1: Drop off at Clean Center
- Drive directly with a truck
- Free or by weight (varies by municipality)
- Best value
Method 2: Hire a Landscaper
- They take branches as part of pruning service
Method 3: Chipping
- Use garden shredder to chip branches
- Reuse as mulch in garden
- Rental services available
Important Notes
- Soil cannot be collected by municipalities (most common question)
- Seal pest-infested branches in bags before disposal
- Empty herbicide containers go to hazardous waste
- Bamboo grows fast — cut short and dispose in multiple batches
Composting Fallen Leaves
You can reuse leaves as garden fertilizer instead of throwing them away.
- Enclose a corner of your yard with bricks (about 1m square)
- Pile leaves ~30cm high
- Sprinkle rice bran or soil thinly
- Water and press down
- Repeat the layers
- Compost ready in 6-12 months
Some municipalities offer subsidies for composting bins (¥3,000-5,000).
FAQ
Q. How do I dispose of potting soil?
Municipalities cannot collect it. Use soil collection services at home centers (some Cainz stores accept for free), or return it to your garden.
Q. Can I ask the municipality to cut down my garden tree?
No. Private garden trees are the owner’s responsibility. Hire a landscaper or arborist for large trees.
Related Guides
- Bulky Trash Disposal Complete Guide — Thick branches and large amounts of pruning waste
- How to Safely Dispose of Dangerous Garbage — Empty herbicide and pesticide containers
- Estate Cleanup - Garbage Disposal Guide — Including garden cleanup for vacant houses