St. Tammany Parish, LA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code of Ordinances § 38-79(i)
- Max loaded weight
- 55 pounds
- Container type
- Single-use, moisture-resistant
- Collection method
- Must allow manual loading by hand
- Oversized limbs
- Route to bulky-waste boom-truck pickup
Summary
St. Tammany Parish allows yard waste to go out in a single-use container instead of a standard bin, as long as the container is moisture-resistant, closed against water, weighs no more than 55 pounds when loaded, and can still be lifted and loaded by hand.
Single use containers. Single use containers not meeting the above requirements may be used for yard waste provided the container is: Constructed of moisture resistant materials. Adequately designed to contain the waste. Closed to resist the entrance of water. Loaded no more than 55 pounds. Strong enough to allow collection and loading by hand.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 12 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 38-79(i) of the Code of Ordinances carves out an exception from the parish's standard rust- and impact-resistant storage container requirement specifically for yard waste. Single-use containers that do not meet the general construction standard in Sec. 38-79(g), things like disposable paper or plastic bags rather than a hard bin, may still be used for yard waste provided the container is constructed of moisture-resistant materials, is adequately designed to contain the waste, is closed to resist the entrance of water, is loaded no more than 55 pounds, and is strong enough to allow collection and loading by hand.
This lets residents bag grass clippings, leaves and small brush for curbside pickup without buying a hard-sided bin, while still keeping the load light and dry enough for a collector to lift manually rather than requiring mechanical equipment. The parish's separate definitions section, Sec. 38-3, treats a 'brush disposal facility' as a site used exclusively for disposal of trees and tree parts, including stumps, branches and attached leaves, distinct from the curbside container rule; larger loads of limbs and brush that exceed what a single-use bag can hold fall instead under the bulky-waste provisions of Sec. 38-3, which route items over four feet or 75 pounds to boom-truck collection rather than manual pickup.
Violations & Fines
Yard waste containers exceeding the 55-pound loaded weight limit, or that are not adequately closed against water intrusion, do not qualify for the single-use container exception and can be left uncollected or cited under the general container-compliance procedure in Sec. 38-79(k), which lets the department of environmental services attach a notice of violation and pursue cleanup costs against the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a paper or plastic bag for yard waste instead of a trash can?
Is there a weight limit on bagged grass clippings or leaves?
What if I have large tree limbs that won't fit in a bag?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Tammany Parish
Compare St. Tammany Parish to another location·View the Louisiana trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.