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Tampa, FL Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Length limit
4 feet or less per branch/log
Bundle weight
50 lbs max per container or bundle
Volume cap
4 cubic yards per collection event
Landfill rule
Yard waste barred from lined landfills, § 26-179

Summary

City of Tampa Code § 26-171 requires logs, limbs, brush and palm fronds to be cut to four feet or less and bundled or bagged in loads under fifty pounds, capping every collection event at four cubic yards of yard waste per address.

All logs, tree limbs, brush, palm fronds and other yard waste shall be cut in four-foot lengths or less and placed in containers or tightly bundled for collection. Each container or bundle shall not exceed fifty (50) pounds in weight. The total quantity of yard waste placed for collection at each collection location may not exceed four (4) cubic yards per collection event. Any yard waste which by reason of its bulk, weight or shape cannot be placed within a container or cannot be bundled as required herein shall be collected as provided in this article.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 148).

Full Breakdown

' The section also caps volume, 'the total quantity of yard waste placed for collection at each collection location may not exceed four (4) cubic yards per collection event', so a major tree-trimming or storm cleanup job has to be spread across more than one pickup, or the resident has to arrange separate special collection for the overage under the broader bulk-waste provisions of § 26-166(f). , which is why the city routes residential yard debris through the McKay Bay brush transfer site rather than the general landfill stream.

Violations & Fines

Yard waste piled beyond the four-cubic-yard-per-event cap, or bundles exceeding four feet or fifty pounds, can be left uncollected and cited as an improperly prepared curbside accumulation under § 26-165, giving the resident seven days to fix it before the Department collects it anyway and bills a special service charge on the next utility bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much yard waste can I put out at once in Tampa?
Up to four cubic yards per collection event under § 26-171. Branches, brush and palm fronds must be cut to four feet or less and bundled or containerized in loads no heavier than fifty pounds each.
What if I have more yard waste than the limit after a storm?
You'll need to spread it across more than one collection or request special handling for the overage, similar to other oversized bulk waste under § 26-166(f); the Department schedules a pickup time and bills by the cubic yard for material beyond the standard limits.
Can yard waste go in a regular landfill in Tampa?
No. Section 26-179(a)(3) makes it unlawful to dispose of yard waste in a lined landfill; it must go to an unlined landfill classified for that use or a permitted composting facility, which is why the city directs residential yard debris to the McKay Bay brush transfer site.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Tampa

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSignificant RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Tampa rules

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