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Pittsburgh, PA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Leaf waste definition
Leaves, garden residue, shrubbery, tree trimmings
Grass clippings
Excluded from leaf waste definition
Separation duty
Keep separate from waste, or compost it
First-offense fine
$50 for single-family, up to $500
Governing section
Pittsburgh Code § 619.13

Summary

Pittsburgh requires residents to separate leaf waste, leaves, garden residue, shrubbery, and tree trimmings, from municipal waste and store it for collection or composting under Pittsburgh Code § 619.13, backed by a city leaf-composting program.

Separation from Municipal Waste. Persons shall separate all leaf waste from municipal waste and store leaf waste until collection, unless those persons have otherwise provided for the composting of leaf waste. Composting. The Director is hereby authorized to develop and implement a program for the collection and composting of leaf waste generated at sites serviced by the City.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Pittsburgh Code Chapter 619 defines leaf waste as leaves, garden residues, shrubbery, and tree trimmings, but not grass clippings (§ 619.01(n)). Under § 619.13, residents must keep leaf waste separate from municipal waste and store it until collection unless they compost it themselves; the Director of Public Works is authorized to run a citywide leaf-waste collection and composting program. Bulky yard debris like large branches that exceed container limits falls under the bulky-item collection fee the Director may charge under § 619.09(a)(3), rather than regular curbside pickup.

Violations & Fines

Violations of Chapter 619 draw fines under § 619.10: $50 (up to $500) for a person or single-family dwelling, $100 (up to $500) for multi-family, and $1,000 (up to $5,000) for commercial establishments; each day is a separate violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pittsburgh have set curbside yard waste pickup days?
The code requires leaf waste to be separated and either composted or collected, but leaves the collection schedule to the Public Works waste regulations rather than the code itself.
Can grass clippings go out with leaf waste?
No. Pittsburgh Code § 619.01(n) defines leaf waste as leaves, garden residue, shrubbery, and tree trimmings, and expressly excludes grass clippings from that category.
What about large tree branches?
Branches and debris too big for standard containers are treated as bulky items, and the Director can charge a fee for their collection under § 619.09(a)(3).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pittsburgh

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSignificant RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Pittsburgh rules

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