Phoenix, AZ Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Size limit
- under 4 ft long, 12 in diameter
- Loose leaves/weeds/grass
- not accepted unbagged
- Volume cap
- 20 cubic yards per collection
- Optional cart
- weekly pickup for monthly fee
- Set-out window
- up to 7 days early, by 6 a.m.
Summary
Phoenix lets residents set out tree limbs and yard trimmings with bulk trash only if pieces are under 4 feet long and 12 inches thick, or bagged; loose unbagged leaves, weeds, and grass are rejected.
Green organics: a. Provided it is separated from other bulk trash items, and the waste material is either: (i) Less than four feet in length and 12 inches in diameter; or (ii) Bagged or boxed leaves, weeds, and grass; ... Items of bulk trash that are not acceptable for normal residential collection include: ... 2. Unbagged leaves, weeds, and grass;
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-7524, passed June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Green organics go out with regular bulk trash under City Code § 27-22, but must be kept separate from other bulk items and either cut to less than 4 feet in length and 12 inches in diameter, or bagged or boxed if it's leaves, weeds, or grass. Unbagged leaves, weeds, and grass are explicitly listed as unacceptable. Total bulk trash volume is capped at 20 cubic yards per collection, set out no earlier than 7 days before and no later than 6 a.m. on the scheduled day. Residents who want dedicated weekly pickup instead can pay a monthly fee for a City-issued green organics cart under § 27-27.
Violations & Fines
Oversized branches, unbagged loose leaves/weeds/grass, or piles over 20 cubic yards violate § 27-22; the responsible party must remove and properly dispose of the excess or unacceptable material at their own expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put loose leaves or grass clippings out with bulk trash in Phoenix?
How big can tree branches be for Phoenix bulk pickup?
Is there a dedicated yard waste cart in Phoenix?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
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