Rock Hill, SC Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Rock Hill operates a developed municipal yard-waste-to-compost program. Public Works Garbage & Recycling (https://www.cityofrockhill.com/departments/public-works/garbage-recycling/yard-waste, 803-325-2500) collects yard waste through three streams. First, the YardCart program provides a year-round cart that's collected weekly without the need for a request — used for small piles of trimmings, raked vegetation, grass clippings, pine needles, and pruned vegetation. Second, seasonal loose-leaf collection runs November through January at the curb, with crews making several systematic passes through every neighborhood (the two-week alternating schedule was discontinued); February collection is by request only, and any leaf requests after March 2 are subject to a service fee. Third, large yard debris (limbs, branches, bulky brush) is collected by request only, with service requests submitted by noon the business day before your collection day. All collected material is processed at the City of Rock Hill Yard Waste Recovery Facility at 650 Friedheim Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Backyard home composting is not subject to a Rock Hill permit. Best practices consistent with Clemson HGIC guidance: keep compost bins 5-10 feet from any property line, use a rodent-resistant design, balance browns and greens, and compost only plant-based food scraps and yard waste — no meat, dairy, or pet waste. Open burning of yard waste within the City is restricted under SCDES Regulation 61-62.2 (Prohibition of Open Burning) and Rock Hill Fire Department burn rules; SC Forestry Commission outdoor burning rules apply to areas outside city limits.