Skip To Main Content
Manatee County Extends Burn Ban

Dispose of Yard Waste

Published

Aug 20, 2025

Share


Starting October 1, 2025, free annual bulk item pickups will no longer be available in Unincorporated Manatee County.

To learn more, visit the Big Bin Advantage page.

Yard Waste

Yard waste is vegetative matter resulting from yard and landscaping maintenance of your own property. This includes materials such as tree branches, leaves, grass clippings, or palm fronds. Please prepare your yard waste properly to expedite the pickup.

Yard Waste Pickup Schedule

All yard waste is picked up on the same day as your garbage and recycling. View your pickup day here. Properly prepared yard waste, placed no more than three (3) feet from the curb or road, will be collected once a week between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Yard Waste Do's and Don'ts

DO prepare your yard waste properly:

  • BUNDLE IT: If you don’t wish to use garbage cans or paper bags, you must put yard waste in bundles no longer than 4 feet in length.
    • Bundles cannot contain branches larger than 6 inches in diameter. Any branch larger than 6 inches in diameter must be cut in half lengthwise, tied, and bundled.
    • Tie bundles with heavy-duty string.
    • Each bundle must weigh less than 40 lbs.
  • CAN IT: Put yard waste loosely in a garbage can. Yard waste must not extend above the top of the can.
  • BAG IT: Put yard waste in a paper kraft (compostable) bag. Yard waste must not extend above the top of the paper bag.
  • Bundles, paper bags, or cans must not weigh more than 40 pounds each.
 DON'T put the following out with yard waste:
  • Garbage
  • Animal Waste
  • Fruit
  • Mulch
  • Batteries
  • Household Hazardous Waste

The above items must be placed in the garbage, except for household hazardous waste. Visit how to dispose of household hazardous waste for proper disposal methods. 

Landfill

You may also take your yard waste to the landfill for a fee. There are residential drop-off options, starting at $5 for a car or SUV. Dispose of Garbage at Lena Road Landfill

    Extraordinary Service

    • There is no limit on the amount of yard waste that can be picked up as long as it is properly bundled and properly placed out at the curb.
    • The removal of large amounts of your unprepared yard waste is not part of the residential collection service charge and is considered an Extraordinary Service.
    • If you choose to have the hauler pick up your unprepared yard waste, an Extraordinary Service charge will appear on your next Manatee County Utilities Department bill.