The following is a release from the city of Kirkland:

In January 2013, the city of Kirkland began charging customers $5.07 for each 32 gallon unit of extra yard waste. To avoid extra charges customers may wish to:

Stockpile and space out yard waste over a couple of weeks.

Try backyard composting. The city of Kirkland Solid Waste will be offering a backyard composting class in the spring and fall of 2014. Check the city of Kirkland Solid Waste webpage in early 2014 for more information.

Use leaves as a cheap and cozy mulch. Piled at the base of our plants, or over tender tubers, leaves regulate soil temperature during the frosts of winter and help maintain even soil moisture. They can even keep weeds down when you spread them in open areas.

Order an extra yard waste cart for $12.92 per month for the extra material.

Contact Waste Management at 1 (800) 592-9995 to order. Customers can cancel the extra service when your yard waste decreases. If you’re accumulating three extra yard waste charges a month, ordering an extra cart will save you money.