Buffalo, NY Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Leaves, grass, weeds for collection
- Must be in plastic bags
- Other yard waste bundles
- Compact bundles no longer than 4 feet
- On-site composting
- Permitted if stored in covered receptacle
- Composting container
- Must prevent wind dispersal, rain soaking, and animal access
- Code section
- § 216-44
Summary
Grass clippings, weeds, and leaves for City collection must be placed in plastic bags, while other vegetative yard waste must be bundled in compact bundles no longer than four feet. On-site composting is permitted if yard waste is stored in a covered receptacle that prevents wind dispersal and animal access.
Nothing in this article shall be construed as preventing any person from utilizing vegetative yard waste for compost, mulch or other agricultural, horticultural, forestry, gardening or landscaping purposes, provided that such vegetative yard waste is stored in a receptacle which shall be covered in such a fashion so as to eliminate the possibility of divergence by wind or soaking by rain or snow or accessibility to animals or pests. Grass clippings, weeds and leaves shall be placed for public collection in plastic bags and other vegetative yard waste shall be placed in compact bundles no longer than four feet. Vegetative yard waste intended for composting shall be prepared and placed for public collection pursuant to the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commissioner.
Full Breakdown
Buffalo Code § 216-44 permits composting, mulching, or other on-site reuse of vegetative yard waste, provided it is stored in a covered receptacle that prevents wind dispersal, rain saturation, and animal or pest access. Grass clippings, weeds, and leaves placed for public collection must go in plastic bags. Other vegetative yard waste (branches, prunings, etc.) must be bundled in compact bundles no longer than four feet for collection. Additional composting preparation rules may be set by Commissioner regulations.
Violations & Fines
Violation of solid waste collection rules is subject to penalties under Chapter 137, Code Enforcement, Article I.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set out leaves and grass clippings for collection?
How should I bundle branches and prunings for pickup?
Can I compost yard waste at home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York trash & recycling overview
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