Okaloosa County, FL Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection frequency
- once a week, curbside
- Bundle weight limit
- under 50 pounds each
- Size limit
- 6 ft long, 4 in. diameter
- Separation required
- from garbage, bulk waste, recyclables
- Governing law
- County Code § 11-191(b)
Summary
Okaloosa County's franchised hauler picks up yard trash once a week under County Code § 11-191(b), separate from garbage and recycling. Grass clippings, leaves, and trimmings must go in an approved yard trash receptacle, and loose limbs or bundles cannot exceed six feet in length, four inches in diameter, or fifty pounds.
(b)Curbside residential yard trash collection service.(1)Frequency of collection. The franchisee shall collect yard trash from single-family dwelling units within the franchise area one time per week. ... a.Residents are responsible for separating yard trash from all other solid wastes, bulk waste and recyclable materials. Grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, trimmings and other such materials must be in a yard trash receptacle.b.Yard trash shall be placed in yard trash receptacles or bundles of less than 50 pounds each whenever practical and with no dimension over six feet in length and four inches in diameter each. Items of yard trash which are not easily containerized or bundled and which do not exceed six feet in length and four inches in diameter or weigh more than 50 pounds shall be collected unbundled.(4)Method of collection. Yard trash receptacles shall be thoroughly emptied and then left, at the point of collection, inverted with covers placed topside up on the ground next to the container.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23).
Full Breakdown
Section 11-191(b) governs the county's curbside yard trash service, run by the same exclusive franchisee that handles garbage and recycling. Collection happens once a week, at curbside or another spot that gives the crew and truck ready access; if the household and hauler can't agree on a location, the public works director or a designee decides. Residents must separate yard trash from all other solid waste, bulk waste, and recyclables, and grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, and trimmings have to go into a yard trash receptacle.
Bundled material is capped at less than 50 pounds per bundle, with no dimension over six feet in length or four inches in diameter; items too awkward to containerize or bundle can still go out unbundled as long as they meet those same size and weight limits. Once emptied, the franchisee leaves receptacles inverted at the collection point with their covers placed topside up on the ground beside the container, and any receptacle pulled from a rack, cart, or enclosure gets returned upright with the lid secured.
A separate definitions section, § 11-182, defines a yard trash receptacle as a rigid plastic container, kraft paper bag, or other county-approved container supplied by the customer, weighing no more than 50 pounds including its contents.
Violations & Fines
There's no separate fine schedule written into this subsection; yard trash that isn't separated, bundled, or sized correctly is treated like other noncompliant set-outs under Section 11-191(g), meaning it goes uncollected until fixed. Broader Article IV violations fall under Section 11-186 as civil infractions that code enforcement can pursue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Okaloosa County pick up yard waste?
Do I need a special container for grass clippings and leaves?
Can I put out tree limbs without bagging them?
What if my yard waste is mixed in with regular trash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Okaloosa County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Okaloosa County to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview
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