Yakima, WA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Season
- March 1 - November 30
- Cart size
- 96-gallon city-owned cart
- Limit
- branches under 3 inches diameter
- Noncompliance
- tagged, left uncollected, extra fee
Summary
Yakima's seasonal yard waste carts take only grass, leaves and plant trimmings under three inches thick; larger branches, dirt and debris are barred and draw an extra fee.
Yard waste carts shall only contain vegetation material such as grass clippings and plant trimmings including woody material less than three inches in diameter. Dirt, construction and demolition debris, tree branches more than three inches in diameter, or rubble is not allowed in yard waste carts. Yard waste carts filled with nonvegetation material will be tagged and left at the curb. Failure to use this cart as described will result in an additional refuse cart fee added to the utility bill. An overfill fee shall be imposed each time a yard service cart is filled past its visible full limit or the cart lid will not close due to overfilling. Carts containing unacceptable material will not be collected.
3. A bulk refuse charge, as set forth in the city of Yakima master fee schedule adopted via resolution by city council, is imposed on each collection of bulk refuse.
4.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
The city's optional yard material collection service runs each year from March 1 through November 30 using ninety-six-gallon carts owned by the city. Carts may hold only vegetation such as grass clippings and plant trimmings, including woody material under three inches in diameter; dirt, construction debris, and branches thicker than three inches are barred. A cart containing nonvegetation waste is tagged and left uncollected at the curb, and the resident is billed an additional refuse cart fee. Larger yard material can instead be scheduled as special haul pickup under YMC 4.16.140(D).
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant carts are tagged and left uncollected at the curb, and the customer is billed an extra refuse cart fee under YMC 4.16.140(C)(2); no criminal penalty is specified for this provision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put tree branches in my Yakima yard waste cart?
What happens if I put the wrong material in the yard waste cart?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
Compare Yakima to another location·View the Washington trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.