Palm Desert, CA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Palm Desert defines yard waste in § 8.16.010 as leaves, grass clippings, brush, branches and other organic materials generated from landscapes or gardens that have been source separated from other solid waste, and calls it a subset of organic materials. Organic materials belong in the green container under § 8.19.040. Section 8.19.050(B) bars large yard waste from any container, along with toxic or hazardous materials, dead animals, building materials and bulky items.

The detailed commercial rule sits in § 8.16.060(E). A commercial business in the City of Palm Desert that hires a gardener or landscaper must use a written contract with four terms: all yard waste generated at the premises is diverted from disposal; the landscaper or any third party certifies in writing that the diversion requirements are being met; the landscaper annually certifies compliance by submitting a city-provided reporting form; and, on the business's request, the landscaper provides weight tickets from the permitted processing facility where the yard waste was delivered. Subsection F adds that, upon city request, beginning January 1, 2022, the business completes a compliance reporting form with the landscaper's certifications for the preceding twelve months attached, and supplies contracts, receipts or weight tickets within thirty calendar days of the city's request.

Hauling is limited as well. Under the opening paragraph of § 8.16.060, nobody can transport solid waste along a city street without a franchise agreement or other contract with the city, or without being a permitted self-hauler or landscaper and gardener. Only commercial businesses or multifamily premises can be permitted to self-haul, and self-hauler records must be kept for no less than five years. Multifamily premises that generate two cubic yards or more per week and arrange gardening or landscaping services must write the same organic materials management duty into the work agreement (§ 8.19.070(J)).