Meridian Will Launch Annual Leaf Composting Program
Meridian residents can begin utilizing leaf composting options to manage yard waste starting in late October.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Landscaping
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Do you support the allocation of city resources for annual curbside leaf composting programs?
Meridian will kick off its annual Recycle the Fall program on October 20, offering residents free leaf composting options to manage yard waste. The initiative aims to divert large volumes of organic material from the local landfill through curbside collection and neighborhood drop sites.
Why it matters
The program helps residents manage seasonal yard cleanup efficiently while reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfill. Diverting this organic material supports waste management goals by processing leaves into compost rather than disposing of them as trash.
The program, which collected 1,131 tons (2.26 million pounds) of leaves in 2025, offers nine neighborhood drop sites and weekly curbside collection. Residents using curbside pickup are limited to 10 leaf bags per week.
The players
Republic Services
A national waste management and recycling provider that partners with local governments to handle residential curbside collection services.
Meridian
The municipal government agency responsible for city-wide waste management logistics and residential sanitation programs.
Ada County Landfill
The regional waste disposal facility that manages the final processing of municipal solid waste for the surrounding county.
The details
To participate in curbside pickup, residents must place leaves in paper bags or yard debris carts at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on their regular trash collection day. Alternatively, residents may transport loose or paper-bagged leaves to one of nine designated neighborhood drop sites across the city. The program runs through early December, with the Ada County Landfill accepting additional leaf drop-offs shortly after the program's local collection period concludes.
Timeline
October 20: Drop site locations open for residential leaf disposal.
November 2: Curbside collection begins for residential leaf bags.
December 4: Curbside collection ends for the program.
December 10: Neighborhood leaf drop sites close.
December 12: Ada County Landfill stops accepting leaves for the program.
The Home Front
This program aligns with the EPA's Sustainable Materials Management program by focusing on diverting organic waste from landfills through localized community action. It reflects a growing trend of municipal efforts to reduce household waste output by promoting sustainable yard-waste disposal.
Check your local trash collection schedule to ensure you have your paper bags or yard debris carts ready by 6:00 a.m. on your designated day. Keep your weekly collection limit of 10 bags in mind when planning your weekend yard work throughout November.
The takeaway
Using the city's composting program is an efficient way to clear your yard while reducing landfill contributions. Make sure to bag your leaves in paper bags, as plastic bags are generally not permitted for these municipal organic waste programs.
Further reading
For tips on seasonal yard care, visit Landscaping.
More information
Find complete program guidelines and drop-off instructions on the Meridian leaf collection information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KBOI.
Live Poll
Do you support the allocation of city resources for annual curbside leaf composting programs?
