Ordinance 2022-069 amending Chapter 106 of the County Code was adopted on Nov. 15, 2022 and eliminates the option to accept yard waste in plastic bags for processing at the Central County Landfill.

Many neighboring communities have eliminated plastic bags from their yard waste collection processes and now require residents to use paper bags and/or reusable containers for curbside disposal. The elimination of plastic bags from the yard waste stream helps support Sarasota County’s commitment to environmental stewardship and will help reduce staffing challenges and associated costs.

Between March 1-April 28, 2023, residences that prepare yard waste in plastic bags will receive an informational door hanger with a reminder that plastic bags will no longer be accepted as of May 1, 2023.

After May 1, 2023, yard waste in plastic bags will NOT be collected.

Yard waste includes grass clippings, leaves, shrub trimmings, palm fronds, small tree limbs and branches. It should be placed separately from garbage and recyclables at the curb for collection.

Yard waste materials should be placed in paper bags, reusable containers or bundled for collection. Materials should be less than 4 feet in length, less than 40 lbs. and 16” or less in diameter.

Remove fruit from tree branches and dispose of the fruit in the garbage. All tinsel and ornaments should be removed from holiday trees before placing them at the curb. Trees taller than 6 feet must be cut in segments that are 4' or less in length.

Unprepared yard waste or yard waste placed in cardboard boxes, wheelbarrows or recycling carts will not be picked up. Lumber, fencing and other treated wood is not yard waste. It should be properly prepared and placed with your garbage for collection.

Unprepared yard waste will not be collected during regular weekly collection. Residents in unincorporated Sarasota County with unprepared yard waste can contact their service provider* for a bulk collection. Fees may apply.

*Use the interactive map  to look up your service provider.

No. Yard waste materials are processed separately at the landfill and repurposed for use as daily cover or other agricultural projects. Keeping yard waste materials out of the garbage helps conserve space in the landfill.

No. Yard waste materials can block the flow of water and impact storm drains.

The Central County Landfill will no longer accept yard waste materials in plastic bags including materials that are self-hauled to the landfill for disposal. Residents living within the cities of Sarasota, Venice and North Port or the Town of Longboat Key should check with their local municipality for additional information on how to properly prepare yard waste for collection in their community.