Reno, NV Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Branch size limit
- under 3 inches diameter
- Christmas trees
- cut into 2-ft sections, no stands
- Service
- franchised hauler, subscription mandatory
- Placement
- must be source-separated in a container
Summary
Reno defines green waste narrowly for curbside recycling: branches under 3 inches across, brush, grass clippings, leaves, and stripped-down Christmas trees placed in a collection container.
"Green waste" means source separated biodegradable materials including branches (less than three inches in diameter), brush, cut flowers, dead plants, grass clippings, house plants, leaves, pruning's, shrubs, weeds, wood (uncoated and untreated), wood chips, yard trimmings, Christmas trees (placed in carts/bins, with no stands, flocking, and/or decorations, and cut into two-foot sections) that has been placed in a container for recycling, excluding excluded materials.
"Gross receipts" means the rate revenues actually received, including all money, cash, receipts, property or other thing of value collected by contractor from customers for the collection services described on the scope of services, but excluding any revenues, receipts or proceeds from other sources. Gross receipts does not include proceeds from special services or from the sale of recyclable materials.
"Hazardous waste" means hazardous waste as defined in Nevada Revised Statutes 459.430, hazardous substance as defined in Nevada Revised Statute 459.429 and other hazardous or toxic materials as defined under any other local, state or federal law.
"Medical and infectious waste" means biomedical waste generated at hospitals, public or private medical clinics, dental offices, research laboratories, pharmaceutical industries, blood banks, mortuaries, veterinary facilities, and other similar establishments.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Reno's franchised hauler collects green waste as a recyclable stream, but only if it fits the code's definition: branches less than three inches in diameter, brush, grass clippings, leaves, prunings, weeds, and untreated wood, all source-separated and placed in a container. Christmas trees qualify only if stripped of stands, flocking, and decorations and cut into two-foot sections. Every property that accumulates solid waste in the city must subscribe to the franchised collection service under RMC Chapter 5.90 rather than self-haul or hire an outside hauler.
Violations & Fines
Green waste not source-separated or bagged loose curbside can be rejected as contamination by the hauler; failing to subscribe to mandatory collection service is a misdemeanor under RMC Chapter 1.05/1.04.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put tree branches in Reno's green waste bin?
How do I dispose of a Christmas tree in Reno?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
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