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Kitsap County, WA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
KCC § 9.48.020(17)
Prunings size limit
4 inches diameter, 4 feet long
Service type
Opt-in compostable organics
Applies to
Unincorporated Kitsap County
Full countywide access
Targeted January 1, 2026
Overflow option
32-gallon can marked "yard waste"

Summary

Yard waste in unincorporated Kitsap County goes out with compostable organics collection, not loose at the curb without limits. Kitsap County Code 9.48.020(17) defines yard waste as grass clippings, leaves, branches, brush, weeds, roots and similar plant material, capping tree prunings accepted in the cart at four inches in diameter.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Kitsap County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

"Yard waste," a component of compostable organics, means plant material commonly generated in the course of maintaining yards and gardens, and through horticulture, gardening, landscaping, or similar activities. Yard waste includes, but is not limited to, grass clippings, leaves, branches, brush, weeds, flowers, roots, windfall fruit, vegetable garden waste, holiday trees, and tree prunings four inches or less in diameter.

View official code

Full Breakdown

48, Residential Recycling Collection, folds yard waste into its optional compostable organics service rather than treating it as a separate program. 020(17) defines "yard waste" as plant material commonly generated in the course of maintaining yards and gardens, and through horticulture, gardening, landscaping, or similar activities, including, but not limited to, grass clippings, leaves, branches, brush, weeds, flowers, roots, windfall fruit, vegetable garden waste, holiday trees, and tree prunings four inches or less in diameter. 040(3)(C)(i)(a) repeats that cap for the single-family cart program and adds a length limit: prunings must be four inches or less in diameter and four feet or less in length to go in the green-lidded cart.

040(3)(A)(vi), all residential customers countywide were slated to have access to it by January 1, 2026. 050(D)(iii) lets a customer put extra yard waste at the curb in a rigid thirty-two-gallon can marked "yard waste," a kraft bag, or a bundle, billed at a reduced rate rather than requiring an extra cart.

Violations & Fines

Oversized branches or other material exceeding the four-inch diameter or four-foot length limit is not a fineable offense under Chapter 9.48; instead, Section 9.48.040(4)(B) lets the hauler refuse the cart as contaminated, tag it explaining why, and require the customer to remove the oversized material or have the load hauled as garbage at the next scheduled pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size branches can go in my Kitsap County yard waste cart?
Under Section 9.48.040(3)(C)(i)(a), branches accepted in the compostable organics cart must be four inches or less in diameter and four feet or less in length. Larger material does not qualify for the curbside cart and typically needs to be hauled to a county-owned recycling or transfer facility instead.
Is yard waste collection automatic with my garbage service?
No. Section 9.48.040(3)(B) makes compostable organics collection, which includes yard waste, an opt-in service: single-family and multifamily customers receive and are billed for it only if they request it. Without that request, grass clippings and branches are not part of your standard curbside garbage or recycling pickup.
Can I put out extra yard waste beyond my cart's capacity?
Yes. Section 9.48.050(D)(iii) lets a customer set out extra yard waste at the curb in a rigid thirty-two-gallon can marked "yard waste," a kraft bag, or a bundle, billed at a reduced rate under the WUTC cost-of-service model rather than requiring the customer to rent an additional ninety-six-gallon cart.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Kitsap County

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Kitsap County rules

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