Pawtucket, RI Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Section 347-14E of the refuse collection rules treats yard waste as its own curbside category, distinct from both the fall Article V composting program and ordinary household trash. It must be kept separate from regular garbage and consists of grass, tree limbs, leaves and plants. Tree limbs are capped at three inches in diameter and three feet in length and must be tied into small bundles; anything bigger has to go through the bulky-waste appointment process under § 347-14J instead of being left loose at the curb.

Yard waste has to go out in composting bags or in barrels specifically labeled "Yard Waste"; plastic bags are rejected outright. Collection only runs from April through December, so residents have to hold or otherwise dispose of yard waste generated in January through March. the day before collection and must come back off the curb within eight hours of pickup, under § 347-14A. Loose wood is excluded entirely under § 347-14D and is never collected curbside, and true construction debris, such as demolition lumber, broken concrete, asphalt, plaster, tile or brick, is barred under § 347-14H regardless of the season.

Enforcement runs through the same Chapter 347 machinery as other refuse violations: the Director of Public Works can refuse collection from a noncompliant address under § 347-15 until the resident brings their yard waste into line with these rules.