Gainesville, FL Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Section 27-76(b)(2) of the Gainesville Code sets the rules for residential yard waste, separate from the garbage-cart rules in subsection (b)(1). Yard waste that is properly bundled or containerized so one person can lift it in a single motion into the compaction truck qualifies for curbside pickup, provided the bundle or container doesn't exceed 40 pounds in weight or five feet in length. Tree or shrubbery trimmings that aren't bagged can instead go out as a compact pile at curbside, again with no piece over 40 pounds or five feet. Grass clippings, leaves, and pine straw have to be containerized, in either disposable or reusable containers, before they'll be collected; any reusable container the resident doesn't want picked up has to be clearly marked as such.

Section 27-73(20) separately makes it unlawful to mix yard waste with normal solid waste loads, for both residential and commercial customers, and Section 27-79(j) requires commercial franchisees to collect yard waste from business customers separately from other solid waste and to tell every commercial customer about that requirement. Section 27-76(b)(2) also draws a hard line on what doesn't count as yard waste: concrete, dirt, bricks, appliances, furniture, and similar items are excluded outright and won't be picked up on the regular yard-waste route. Anyone with that kind of debris has to arrange special service under Section 27-77, which the hauler bills separately at a rate negotiated between the customer and the contractor rather than through the standard monthly utility charge.