Shawnee County, KS Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Bundle size limit
- 48 in. long, 24 in. diameter
- Governing section
- Sec. 28-4(m), refuse collection
- Extra charge items
- Clippings, leaves, brush, Sec. 28-5(f)
- Related nuisance rule
- Vegetation over 18 in., Sec. 23-30(a)(1)
Summary
Tree limbs and shrubs set out for Shawnee County refuse pickup must be tied into bundles no longer than 48 inches and no thicker than 24 inches in diameter under Sec. 28-4(m). Grass clippings, leaves and other yard debris beyond ordinary trash can draw an extra service charge set by the county commission.
(m)Prior to collection by the refuse department, tree limbs and, if possible, shrubs, shall be tied in bundles not to exceed 48 inches in length and 24 inches in diameter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. ' The rule sits inside the general collection article that governs both the county refuse department and any licensed private hauler working in the county, so the size limit applies regardless of who picks up the property's trash. Ordinary yard waste that doesn't fit the standard weekly cart run, described in Sec. 28-5(f) as 'branches, grass, shrubbery clippings, leaves, or other items,' may be subject to an additional service charge the board of county commissioners sets by resolution, and that charge applies only if the customer actually requests the pickup.
The county's broader solid waste storage rules in Sec. ' Because untrimmed brush piles and rank vegetation over 18 inches tall are separately listed as a presumed nuisance under Sec. 23-30(a)(1), residents who let yard waste accumulate instead of bundling it for pickup risk a nuisance citation on top of any extra collection fee.
Violations & Fines
Yard waste that isn't bundled to the 48-by-24-inch limit can simply be refused at the curb by the collection crew. Left to pile up, overgrown brush or vegetation becomes a presumed nuisance under Sec. 23-30(a)(1), exposing the owner to Sec. 23-34's escalating $500 to $1,500 fine schedule and a court-ordered abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I bundle branches for Shawnee County pickup?
Does the county charge extra for yard waste?
What if I just leave a pile of brush in my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shawnee County
Compare Shawnee County to another location·View the Kansas trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.