How to dispose of tree branches, trunks, and stumps
Your guide to safe and simple tree debris removal.
After a storm or a weekend of yard work, figuring out how to dispose of tree branches and other debris can feel like an added chore. Curbside services may not accept thick limbs, scattered twigs, and leftover stumps, and tossing them in the trash may not be legal or safe.
At 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, we help customers across the U.S., Canada, and Australia remove tree debris quickly, safely, and responsibly. In this guide, you’ll learn how to get rid of tree branches, trunks, and stumps in a way that works for your yard—and the environment.
How to get rid of tree branches and other tree debris
There are several responsible ways to dispose of tree branches. Your best option depends on your location, the amount of debris, and how much time or effort you want to put in.
Curbside yard waste pickup
Many municipalities offer seasonal or weekly yard waste collection. Some also provide Christmas tree pickups. Check your local schedule.
Drop-off at a yard waste or green waste facility
These centers accept bulk yard debris like branches and tree limbs. Always call ahead to confirm requirements.
Mulch or compost the branches
Tree branches can be chipped into mulch or broken down over time. You can compost smaller twigs for garden use.
Give away usable wood
Some community groups or woodworkers may want branches or logs for firewood, DIY projects, or carving.
Create a wildlife brush pile
In some areas, stacked branches can support birds and small animals. Always check local bylaws.
Burn (where permitted)
Only consider burning if local fire regulations allow it. Never burn tree debris without checking first.
Rent a wood chipper
Chippers are available for rent and help break branches into mulch. It works best for handling large volumes of branches.
Hire a tree service
Tree professionals can trim and remove branches, especially large or dangerous ones
Hire a junk removal service
How it works: A junk removal company handles the heavy lifting and safe disposal of yard debris, including tree limbs, trunks, and stumps.
Where: 1-800-GOT-JUNK? operates in neighborhoods across the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Best for: Anyone looking for a fast, hassle-free way to handle tree debris. Learn more about getting rid of yard waste with 1-800-GOT-JUNK?.
Why proper tree debris disposal matters
Tree debris left unmanaged can attract pests, block drainage, and even pose fire hazards. In many areas, tossing branches in the garbage or dumping them on public land isn’t allowed. Responsible disposal protects the environment, keeps your property safe, and ensures compliance with local laws.
According to the U.S. EPA, yard waste makes up a significant portion of landfill waste, much of which could be composted or recycled instead.
How to safely prepare tree branches for removal
Before disposal, break down large branches using pruning tools or a saw. Stack debris neatly, and avoid mixing in non-organic materials. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
If you’re using 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, no need to haul items to the curb. Our teams collect branches from wherever they are—all you have to do is point.
We take all kinds of junk
Getting rid of tree branches doesn’t have to be a hassle. At 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, we make junk disappear, including yard waste and tree debris. We recycle the recyclables and donate the donatables, helping the environment in every way we can.
See our pricing for junk removal or start scheduling a junk pickup online. You can also call us anytime at 1-800-468-5865.
Frequently asked questions
1-800-GOT-JUNK? is more affordable than you may think. Our junk removal prices are all-inclusive, which means you get:
- Professional, uniformed and insured crew members
- Junk removal from anywhere on the premises
- Loading, lifting and sorting
- Recycling, donating and disposing of items
- Transfer station tariffs and fees
- Gas and travel
We charge by the amount of space your items take up in the truck. We think it’s more fair to you to price by volume instead of the length of time it takes us to lift and load. The best part is we’re cheaper in bulk: the more stuff you have, the more value you get!
For materials with a heavy cubic weight, like dirt, concrete, and gravel, pricing is based on the total volume the material takes up in the truck, up to a maximum of one foot in height for a full truck.
Email us at business@1800gotjunk.com or call us at 1-888-475-3461
If you need service on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis, we offer bulk pricing discounts. This gives you better value compared to common alternatives, such as dumpsters or less-professional junk removal services.
Interested? Call our business account team at 1-866-916-5865 to discuss your needs as well as pricing options.
On the day of your appointment with us, our friendly, uniformed truck team members will give you a call 15-30 minutes before the start of your two-hour promise window. They’ll say hi, let you know what time they plan to arrive, and confirm any other details about your appointment if needed.
Whether your business has a single location or multiple locations, we can create a custom junk removal solution that works for you. We can coordinate pickups at multiple locations at a local, regional, and national level. Rather than work with dozens of regional or local companies, let 1-800-GOT-JUNK? handle the jobs across all your locations.
Absolutely! We take large items all the time. As long as it can be lifted and loaded into the truck by two people, we'll be happy to take it away for you!
We work with all types of businesses and can handle any type of job - cleanouts, bulk item removal, general junk removal and even specific items like cardboard or pallets. We can take pretty much anything as long as it's not toxic or hazardous. We can remove your items from wherever they’re located, whether it’s your office, store, site or anywhere else—all you have to do is point!
Yes, we're fully licensed, bonded and insured! We have insurance covering damages to both persons and property for every single booking.
While we don't quite service the entire map, we cover almost every greater metropolitan area across the US, Canada, and Australia. To see if we’re in your neighbourhood, you can start a booking by entering your postal code.
Our customer service center is open 24/7, so we’re here whenever you need us! While operating hours may vary in our franchise locations, we offer same-day and off-hours service, including weekends.
