Royal Oak, MI Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Section 633-1 defines YARD WASTE narrowly, as materials resulting from landscaping for collection for composting, distinguishing it from BRUSH, tree and shrub trimmings up to one inch in diameter, and CHIPPER BRUSH, trimmings over one inch but no more than five inches, with stumps and roots removed. Under § 633-2A(4), single-family and multiple dwellings must contain yard waste in bags that are either SOCRRA-approved or City of Royal Oak-approved bio/photodegradable bags, or in metal or plastic refuse containers up to 32 gallons that carry a City "Yard Waste" decal; yard waste that is improperly contained is tagged and left at the curb rather than collected.

Brush gets a separate rule under § 633-2C: it must be cut into three-foot lengths and tied into bundles weighing no more than 60 pounds. Chipper brush, the larger material, is handled differently again under § 633-2D and § 633-4B(1): the City chips it curbside for a minimum payment covering fifteen-minute increments, and larger chipper brush in excess of one inch but under five inches in diameter is collected by the City only upon payment of a specific charge set by the City Commission. Tree limbs, trunks over five inches, stumps, roots and diseased elms are excluded from routine collection altogether under § 633-5D, and no one may leave tree portions that are not brush at the curb for City collection under § 633-5E unless the City Manager directs otherwise. If the City has to clean up improperly bagged yard waste for health or safety reasons, the cost is assessed under § 633-10C.