Orange County Sets New Yard Waste Collection Rules

Orange County, Florida, released updated guidelines for residential yard‑waste pickup. Residents must place leaves, grass clippings and small branches in bags or sealed containers no larger than 50 gallons and weighing under 60 lb (≈27 kg). Branches longer than three feet must be cut and tied securely. Each household may place up to three cubic yards of green waste per week, and the material must be kept separate from regular trash, recyclables and bulky items. The county also announced that paper cups and clear plastic cups are now accepted in the recycling stream, while straws, lids, stirrers and colored party cups remain non‑recyclable.

These measures aim to improve safety during hurricane season and streamline waste processing, with the county urging residents to prepare their yards before storms and to follow the new packaging limits.