Boise, ID Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Program type
- Voluntary curbside compost cart
- Branch diameter limit
- 8 inches or less
- Branch length/weight limit
- 4 feet, under 60 lbs, bundled
- Extra leaves
- Paper leaf bags only, year-round
- Bags
- No plastic bags accepted
Summary
Boise collects leaves, branches, and yard waste through its voluntary curbside compost cart program, with specific size and bundling limits on branches.
Branches and tree trimmings up to eight inches (8") in diameter may be set out for collection next to the compost cart. Branches and trimmings must be four feet (4') or less in length, less than sixty (60) pounds, and bundled with string. Christmas trees placed for composting shall be clear of all ornaments, lights, tinsel and tree stands and placed for collection in or next to the composting cart. Trees should be cut to four feet (4') or less. Fill the composting cart first and place the other section(s) of the tree next to the composting cart.
E. Leaf Collection: Leaves are collected as compostable materials. The composting cart should be filled first. Extra leaves must be placed next to the cart in paper leaf bags. Paper leaf bags will be collected all year long. The Public Works Department may set limits as needed on the number of leaf bags collected each week per household.
F. Contaminated Compostable Materials: Containers used for compostable materials shall not contain trash or materials which are not allowed in the compost collection program. The City or franchise hauler may terminate services to any customer who violates this provision. Contaminated composting containers will be emptied as trash and the customer may be charged for extra trash collection services.
G. Extra Materials: Extra compostable materials must be placed in paper leaf bags. Materials will not be accepted in plastic bags.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise City Code § 10-4-2-5 makes curbside composting voluntary: residents who sign up get a gray cart with a green lid for yard waste, food scraps, and other compostable material. Branches and tree trimmings up to 8 inches in diameter can go out next to the cart, but they must be cut to 4 feet or less, weigh under 60 pounds, and be bundled with string. Christmas trees are collected the same way, stripped of ornaments, lights, tinsel, and stands, and cut to 4 feet or less. Extra leaves beyond what fits in the cart must go in paper leaf bags set next to the cart, collected year-round, with the Public Works Department able to cap how many bags go out per week. No plastic bags are allowed for any of it, and mixing in trash or non-compostable material can get the container emptied as trash with an extra charge.
Violations & Fines
Contaminating a compost cart with trash or excluded materials: emptied as trash, customer may be billed for extra collection; repeat violations can end compost service under 10-4-2-5(F).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is yard waste collection mandatory in Boise?
Can I set out tree branches without a bundle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
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