Systems and methods for collecting yard waste, and a collection apparatus for receiving the yard waste, are provided. A yard waste collection system for connection with a tractor, the system which optimizes air flow comprising a collection apparatus (100) including a cage suspension frame (200), a plurality of collapsible portions, and at least a rigid bottom portion, the rigid bottom portion having a drop door (130) that opens and closes relative to the cage suspension frame (200) to allow access to an interior space of the collection apparatus (100) a cage suspension frame (200) operably connected to the tractor, the collection apparatus (100) being pivotably suspended from the cage suspension frame (200) and a conduit (300) for allowing passage of yard waste ejected from the tractor to the interior space of the collection apparatus (100).
