St. Martin Parish, LA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Section 36-11 of the St. Martin Parish Code, part of Chapter 36 (Solid Waste Management), is the parish's rule for large yard debris. Large trees or limbs shall not, under any circumstances, be placed on the neutral ground for collection by the department of public works. The owner of the premises must remove them at his expense unless the proper contractual arrangements have been made with a solid waste collection agency. The section prints no size cutoff in inches or pounds and no seasonal brush pickup schedule, so the working test is the word large: a big limb or downed tree is the property owner's job to haul away or hire out.

Burning is the next question for anyone with a brush pile. Section 36-12 prohibits the reduction or disposal of solid waste by incineration or burning except in the manner the section specifies. The exception is an incinerator that complies with applicable federal, state and parish regulations. Its owner or user must file an affidavit every year with the environmental services division and post a copy within sight of the charge opening. The parish reserves the right to inspect the equipment during operation and to order it shut down until it complies. An owner or operator can appeal a cessation order to the director of public works and then to the court having jurisdiction over enforcement of the section.

Article II of Chapter 36 adds rules for the Stephensville-Belle River Area. Section 36-40(f)(1) requires light tree debris to be tied securely in bundles not exceeding four feet in length, two feet in diameter or width and 35 pounds in weight, and section 36-40(f)(2) says trees and stumps are stored temporarily on the premises. Section 36-38 defines rubbish to include foliage, grass and leaves, and section 36-49(d) makes open burning of solid waste unlawful in the parish except as specifically permitted by state law, with an exemption for the production operations of field crops.