Birmingham, AL Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

1(a) sets the preparation standard for large, non-containerized waste. 'Bulky objects such as furniture or appliances shall be neatly stacked; no further preparation shall be required,' so an old couch, mattress or refrigerator can go to the curb without being bagged, boxed or broken down, only stacked neatly for the crew. The same subsection handles the brush side of bulk pickup: tree branches and heavy brush that can't be containerized 'shall not exceed four feet in length or eight inches in diameter,' also requiring only neat stacking.

Ordinary containerized yard rubbish, by contrast, faces no cap on the number of approved containers set out at once. Subsection (b) gives the director of the department of public works discretion to waive these preparation requirements altogether, both during organized community cleanup programs the city runs and after 'tornado or storm damage or other extraordinary natural occurrence' generates excessive yard waste, and to schedule special collection service when a waiver is granted. 2: bulky items and brush must go 'between the sidewalk and curb or in an accessible place approved by the director of the department of public works,' and if placement violates the chapter, the property owner gets written notice by personal service or certified mail and seven days to remove the material or bring it into compliance before it becomes a continuing violation. The section was adopted by Ord. No. 94-222 on October 4, 1994.