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

Section 400-29(C) of the Recycling article in Chapter 400 sets the mechanics for brush, leaf and yard waste collection. Branches must be tied into bundles no longer than four feet and sized so one person on the collection crew can handle them. Loose leaves, brush and yard waste can instead go into large brown leaf-and-yard-waste bags sold at area retailers. The City collects this yard debris for recycling from April through November, and separately collects Christmas trees during the holiday season, with both schedules advertised in the newspaper and on the City website.

Everything must be set at the curb by the designated collection time for the route. Section 400-26 defines 'leaf and yard waste' to mean leaves, brush, branches and yard trimmings including grass clippings, but excludes shipping pallets and wood-manufacturing trimmings, which fall outside the program and cannot be set out with yard debris. Residents and businesses are not limited to the City's seasonal pickup window: Section 400-29(C) also lets them drop brush, leaves and yard waste at the Lackawanna County Recycling Center compost site at any time.

Because yard waste is a recyclable category under Article V, Section 400-29(B) bars mixing it into a regular garbage can with other solid waste, and Section 400-38 backs the whole article with a fine of up to $300 per offense, with continuing daily violations after notice counted as separate offenses.