Port Townsend, WA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection frequency
- Biweekly, alternating with recycling
- Bundle limit
- 4 ft long, 2 ft diameter, 40 lbs
- Branch diameter cap
- 4 inches (except Christmas trees)
- Container limit
- 3 units per pickup day
- Christmas trees
- 2 pickups after Dec. 25th
Summary
Port Townsend's solid waste contractor collects yard waste biweekly, alternating with recycling, with strict bundle and container limits.
Limbs and branches will not be collected unless they meet the following requirements: (1) they must not exceed four inches in diameter (except for Christmas trees); and (2) limbs and branches must be tied in bundles of not more than four feet in length; and (3) the bundles must not be more than two feet in diameter; and (4) the bundles of limbs and branches shall weigh not more than 40 pounds each. Customers shall deposit residential yard waste for pickup as follows: in a three milliliter plastic or paper bag or in a container of not more than 34-gallon capacity, painted “YARD WASTE” on at least two locations and on the container lid, in letters not less three inches in height. On each scheduled pickup day, the solid waste contractor shall be responsible for collecting a maximum of three units of yard waste (i.e., three bundles, three bags or three cans, or any combination thereof, not to exceed three units) from each residential customer. (Ord. 2800 § 1, 2002; Ord. 2620 § 2, 1997).
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 3364, passed May 18, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The contractor picks up yard waste from residential customers on the weeks it doesn't collect recycling. Grass clippings, leaves, weeds, and prunings go in a paper/plastic bag or a container marked "YARD WASTE," while limbs and branches must be bundled under 4 feet long, 2 feet around, and 40 pounds, with pieces over 4 inches thick excluded. Each pickup day is capped at three units per customer, and Christmas trees get two dedicated pickups after December 25th.
Violations & Fines
Oversized branches, unmarked containers, or more than three units left at curbside simply won't be collected that week; there's no fine for excess yard waste, just a missed pickup until it's brought into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much yard waste can I put out at once in Port Townsend?
Can I bundle large tree branches for yard waste pickup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
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