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Anchorage, AK Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing rule
AMC 15.30.080 Open Burning
Backyard brush/leaf burning
Prohibited
Allowed method
Registered air curtain system only
First-offense fine
$150
Enforcing agency
Anchorage Health Department

Summary

Anchorage's Clean Air Ordinance bans backyard burning of brush, leaves, and yard waste; disposal is allowed only through a permitted commercial air curtain combustion system, not a residential burn barrel or open pile.

Within the boundaries of the municipality no person shall cause, suffer, permit or allow any open burning except the following unless otherwise prohibited by law: ... The burning of combustible construction debris, trees, brush and other vegetative matter is allowed in a commercial air curtain combustion system properly operated and maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications, provided that the device has been registered with the director, that the operator obtains written approval from the director prior to operation.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5010260; v11 updated 2026-09-01).

Full Breakdown

Anchorage's Clean Air Ordinance treats yard waste like any other open burning: no person may burn brush, leaves, or other vegetative matter in a backyard pile or burn barrel. Burning that material is legal only inside a commercial air curtain combustion system that is registered with the Anchorage Health Department and has prior written director approval. The Health Department cites violators under AMC 15.30.080A, and yard waste otherwise goes out with regular trash or through a private hauler.

Violations & Fines

Burning brush, leaves, or yard waste in a backyard pile or barrel: $150 first offense, $300 second offense within five years, $600 third and later offenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn leaves or brush in my backyard in Anchorage?
No. AMC 15.30.080 bans open burning of yard waste except in a director-approved commercial air curtain combustion system.
What happens if I burn yard waste anyway?
The Health Department can cite you under AMC 15.30.080A: $150 for a first offense, up to $600 for repeat offenses within five years.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Anchorage

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Anchorage rules

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