May 28, 2026·Yard Waste

Orange County Yard Waste Pickup Schedule and Disposal Guide 2026

Every Orlando homeowner has stood at the curb with a brush pile too big for the next yard waste day, wondering whether to wait three weeks or just rent a dumpster. This guide cuts through the confusion: the actual Orange County yard waste pickup schedule for 2026, exactly what's accepted at the curb versus what needs disposal, the specific scenarios where a dumpster rental in Orlando beats curbside, and the City of Orlando rules (which are slightly different from unincorporated Orange County). If you've ever been ticketed for a brush pile or had Waste Pro refuse to pick up your debris, this is the reference you needed before you started.

Orange County Yard Waste Pickup Schedule

Orange County Solid Waste contracts with Waste Pro and Waste Connections for residential collection, with service days varying by ZIP. Generally: yard waste is collected once a week on the same day as your second garbage pickup (most Orange County residents have twice-weekly garbage and once-weekly yard waste collection). Holidays slide the schedule by one day. To find your specific pickup day, go to ocfl.net and use the Solid Waste Lookup tool with your address. City of Orlando residents (within city limits, not just an Orlando mailing address) have their own collection schedule administered by City of Orlando Solid Waste Management Division. Same general pattern: once a week, same day as second garbage day.

What's Accepted at the Curb

Orange County curbside yard waste accepts: grass clippings, leaves, small branches under 4 feet long and 4 inches diameter, palm fronds (yes, palm fronds are accepted curbside, see the dedicated guide for tips), pine needles, garden debris from regular landscaping. Items MUST be in either: paper yard waste bags (sold at Home Depot, Lowes, Publix), open container labeled YARD WASTE (no plastic bags, this is the most common rejection reason), or bundled with twine (branches only, max 4 feet long, 50 pound bundle limit). Plastic bags will be left on the curb every time. If you've been wondering why your debris keeps getting skipped, this is usually why.

What's NOT Accepted at the Curb (Where You Need a Dumpster)

Orange County curbside collection refuses: tree stumps of any size, branches over 4 feet long or 4 inches diameter (cut them down or rent a dumpster), tree trunks, root balls, soil and sod (heavy materials trigger truck damage), construction debris from landscape removal (paver bricks, edging, irrigation pipe), concrete, mulch in bulk over 1 cubic yard, treated lumber. For these scenarios, a dumpster rental in Orlando is the right answer. A typical residential landscape overhaul, tree removal, or paver-patio replacement generates more debris than 6 weeks of curbside pickup. A 10 yard dumpster from Dumpster Strong holds about 3 pickup truck loads of yard waste, a 20 yard holds 6, and the rate covers a 24-hour rental period.

Hurricane and Storm Debris Special Pickup

After a Florida storm, Orange County and the City of Orlando typically activate Hurricane Debris Pickup, separate from regular yard waste service. Storm debris is collected by FEMA-contracted crews on a separate schedule announced by the County. Storm pickup rules are looser: bundling isn't required, branches up to 8 feet are usually accepted, root balls and stumps are sometimes accepted. The schedule, however, can be 4-8 weeks behind in heavily-impacted areas. After Hurricane Ian (2022) some Orange County residents waited 12 weeks for cleanup. If you need the debris GONE before you can sell, list, or move back in, a dumpster rental in Orlando is the fastest path. See the dedicated hurricane cleanup guide for the post-storm checklist.

Orange County Landfill Drop-Off (DIY Option)

Orange County operates two residential landfills accepting yard waste: Porter Recycling Center (5901 Old Cheney Hwy, Orlando 32807) and Orange County Landfill (5901 Young Pine Rd, Orlando 32829, near our Dumpster Strong base). Tipping fees are $20-40 per ton for yard waste depending on type and load size, free for the first 0.5 cubic yards if you have a residential address with a valid Orange County tax ID. Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-5pm. For a single pickup truck load this is cheaper than a dumpster, for anything more it's a wash, and you save the hassle by having Dumpster Strong drop a container on your driveway and take it away on your schedule.

Yard Debris Doesn't Fit in a Trash Bag

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is yard waste pickup day in Orange County?▾

Orange County yard waste pickup is once per week, on the same day as your second garbage collection day. Specific day varies by ZIP, look it up at ocfl.net Solid Waste Lookup. Holidays slide the schedule by one day.

Are palm fronds accepted in Orange County yard waste?▾

Yes. Orange County curbside yard waste accepts palm fronds when bundled with twine (max 4 feet length, 50 lb bundle limit) or placed in paper yard waste bags. Plastic bags are not accepted and will be left at the curb.

Can I put tree stumps in Orange County yard waste?▾

No. Tree stumps, root balls, and trunks are not accepted in Orange County curbside yard waste collection. These require a dumpster rental in Orlando or a trip to the Orange County Landfill, depending on volume.

How much does it cost to dump yard waste at the Orange County Landfill?▾

Tipping fees at Orange County Landfill (5901 Young Pine Rd, Orlando 32829) are $20-40 per ton for yard waste depending on type and load size. The first 0.5 cubic yards is free for verified Orange County residents.

Why won't Orange County pick up my yard waste?▾

The most common reasons: (1) yard waste is in plastic bags (only paper bags or open containers accepted), (2) branches exceed 4 feet long or 4 inches diameter (cut them down), (3) the bundle exceeds 50 pounds (split it). Bagged debris in plastic is rejected every time.

Should I rent a dumpster or wait for yard waste pickup in Orlando?▾

If your debris fits in 2-3 yard waste bags or 1 bundle, wait for curbside. If you have a large landscape removal, tree work, stumps, soil, or storm debris exceeding what 3-4 weeks of pickup would clear, a dumpster rental in Orlando is faster and cheaper than waiting. A 10 yard dumpster holds about 3 pickup truck loads, a 20 yard holds 6.