Eau Claire Fall Yard Waste Pickup Changes: What You Need to Know

Eau Claire residents should be aware of changes to the city’s yard debris pickup service, which was discontinued at the start of 2024 due to rising costs and efforts to reduce landfill waste. While the city no longer offers this free service, there are still several ways to manage your fall yard debris effectively.

Yard Waste Drop-Off Locations

The City of Eau Claire’s brush disposal site at 5710 Jeffers Road is available for drop-offs. City residents can purchase a seasonal pass, while non-city residents can use the pay-as-you-go option.
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​Eau Claire Brush Disposal Website​

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Altoona residents have access to the Altoona brush site, where they can dispose of yard debris. More information, including hours and fees, can be found on the City of Altoona website.

Other Curbside Collection Services

For customers of Earthbound Environmental Solutions, yard waste services remain unchanged. Earthbound will still offer fall yard waste pickup, allowing their customers to place up to 5 bags of yard waste at the curb for free during the week of November 11th-15th.

Ask Your Lawn Service Provider

If you already use a yard cleanup or lawn mowing service, ask your provider if they offer yard waste pickup and disposal as part of their service. Many local companies may be able to assist with removing your fall yard debris.

Composting at Home

Composting is an easy way to handle leaves and grass clippings. Set up a simple compost bin or use a designated area in your yard to create nutrient-rich soil for future gardening.

Mulching Your Leaves

Use a mulching mower to finely chop leaves and spread them over your lawn. Mulched leaves decompose naturally, enriching your soil and reducing the need for waste disposal.

By planning ahead and using available services, you can still manage your yard debris effectively this fall despite the changes to the city’s program.

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Village of Fall Creek, Augusta, and Village of Fairchild residents are NOT affected by this change. You should reach out to your municipality directly for program dates and information.

Fresh Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Mozzarella Pearls

I’ve been making this simple tomato and cucumber salad a lot lately, and it’s become one of my favorites. Most of the cherry tomatoes came right out of my garden, which makes it taste even better! It’s fresh, light, and perfect for a quick meal or side dish. My wife and I always feel so healthy after eating something like this—it’s a great way to enjoy fresh veggies and feel good about what we’re eating.

Ingredients:

• Fresh cut tomatoes or cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 2 small (mini) cucumbers, thinly sliced
• A small amount of chopped red onion (I love red onion, but you can leave it out if you prefer)
• Pearl mozzarella balls
• Grapeseed oil (I use grapeseed oil, but you can use olive oil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, I combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a small amount of chopped red onion (red onion is my favorite, but I left it out for my wife and added it to my serving later).
2. I toss in some pearl mozzarella balls and gently mix everything together.
3. Then I drizzle a bit of grapeseed oil (you can use olive oil if you prefer) over the salad and season it with salt and pepper.
4. Sometimes I add fresh basil if I have it on hand—it really brightens up the flavors.
5. You can serve it right away, but I like to let it chill for 30 minutes to really let the flavors blend.

This salad is so fresh and flavorful that my wife and I almost treat it as a meal on its own. Serve it with a loaf of rustic or fresh bread, and it becomes a light, healthy dinner. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something easy but satisfying. Give it a try and see how good you feel!