Why isn’t the Yard Waste Site Open Yet?!

The gates of WLSSD’s Yard Waste Compost Site (YWCS) are being thrown open on Friday, April 23rd to welcome the yard lovin’ masses to properly dispose of branches, leaves, and other yard debris. We’re opening with full services, including bulk and bagged compost sales, and expect a brisk start to the season.

The opening date flexes a bit from season to season, and in the past would sometimes open and close due to inclement weather, or would open but only have limited services. With this spring having “sprung” pretty early, you might be wondering—why the late open? We truly are trying to thoughtfully meet the needs of all, in the most efficient way possible, while maintaining the integrity of the site.

First: no one needs to stockpile woody debris or branches. The Materials Recovery Center just off Rice Lake Rd. can accept all brush and has more availability- open Tuesday through Saturday 9 am to 4 pm year round, than the YWCS.

We’ve found over the years that a later opening date allows the gravel site to dry out completely to better preserve the driving surfaces for the rest of the season. Additionally, our bulk compost could use the extra time to complete the curing process. WLSSD staff can get in there and roll the material a bit more, so it is well aerated for purchasers (literally cooler to the touch, and the risk of odors is reduced). By waiting a short time, we are able to open offering full services (bulk and bagged compost, disposal services), allowing customers one-stop shopping. Lastly, we never rule out April snowstorms that cover leaves and close the site. By opening a little later in the month, we can ensure reliable, continual availability for residents and can start advertising and promoting with a firm date that we can guarantee all services.

And look, we don’t want to be “that” solid waste authority being all know-it-all-ish about gardening, but seriously, waiting to work your soils and even your yard is best for all. Let the pollinators and bugs slumber peacefully in your yard debris and avoid raking until temperatures are above 50 all the time, for about a week. Your tiny emerging grasses can only benefit from more time to set their roots, and clay soils are easily compacted when trampled on during the thaw. Be gentle on yourself, your soils, and each other. It’s been a long winter.