Norwalk, CT Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Bundle limit
- brush/trimmings tied at 4 feet max
- Container limit
- 65-gallon open-top or paper bags
- Curbside deadline
- by 6:00 a.m. collection day
- Early set-out allowed
- after 6:00 p.m. night before
- Container removal
- within 24 hrs of pickup
Summary
Norwalk residents must bundle brush and tree trimmings into four-foot lengths and bag loose yard waste in 65-gallon containers or paper bags, set out for curbside pickup on the Director's schedule or dropped at the City's yard waste site, under Chapter 94.
§ 94-3. Recyclable waste.
C. All yard waste generated by residents of the City can be disposed of at the yard waste site or set out for collection during the times set by the Director within the eligible taxing districts. All tree trimmings and brush shall be tied in bundles of not over four feet in length, capable of being handled by one person. All yard waste set out for collection shall be placed in an open top container no larger than 65 gallons or in paper bags, excluding brush and branches. All bags or containers set out for collection should be placed at the curbline at the time designated by the Director, but no later than 6:00 a.m. on days on which collections will be made; provided, however, that such bags and containers may be so placed for collection on the evening preceding the date on which collections will be made, but no earlier than 6:00 p.m. All containers shall be removed from the curbline within 24 hours after collection.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4888624; v55 updated 2026-05-26; through 05-26-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 94 defines yard waste as organic debris from maintaining lawns, gardens and outdoor green spaces, including leaves, brush, tree trimmings, branches, grass clippings, pine needles and flowers, but not soil, dirt or rocks (Section 94-2). Section 94-3C lets residents either haul yard waste to the City's yard waste site or set it out for curbside collection during the schedule the Director of Operations and Public Works sets for their taxing district. Tree trimmings and brush must be tied into bundles no longer than four feet that one person can carry; other loose yard waste goes in an open-top container no larger than 65 gallons or in paper bags.
, and every container has to come back off the curb within 24 hours of pickup. Because yard waste is one of the categories folded into the chapter's definition of recyclable waste (Section 94-2), no person other than the generator or their agent may pick through, remove or interfere with yard waste that has been put out for collection (Section 94-3D). Residents and property owners current on their vehicle tax can also bring yard waste to the Transfer Station's yard waste site under the same annual disposal pass used for other waste categories (Section 94-18).
Violations & Fines
Setting out yard waste past the 24-hour curbside removal window, in bundles over four feet, or in containers larger than 65 gallons violates Section 94-3, and general Chapter 94 violations are fined under the citywide fee schedule with each day treated as a separate offense (Section 94-17). Scavenging or interfering with put-out yard waste is a separate violation of Section 94-3D.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I bundle brush for Norwalk yard waste pickup?
When do I need to put yard waste at the curb?
Can I take yard waste to the dump myself instead of waiting for pickup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Norwalk
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