General Rules:

1. Garbage or trash should be in a plastic bag, box, trashcan or any other container 50 gallons or less with adequate handles for lifting and a tight fitting lid.
2. Contents being too heavy for one container (more than 75 pounds) must be divided into additional containers. Bulky items such as large household furniture, beds, chairs, etc. should be set three feet or closer to the curb for collection.
3. City regulations require bags to be tied and empty large boxes be flattened and bundled.
4. Place all items 3 feet or closer to the curb for collection.
5. Place refuse outside of any enclosure and at ground level.  No refuse placed on vehicles.
6. Barrels or containers exceeding 50 gallons may be used for bag storage only.  Only sealed bags placed in storage containers will be collected.  Loose trash will not be removed.  Container openings must not be constrictive and allow for easy removal of stored bags.
7. It shall be unlawful for a person, owner, owner's agent or occupant to set out or allow to be set out any garbage or trash for collection before 4 p.m. of the day prior to the day of collection or allow remaining at or near the curb.

Special Conditions:

1. Tree limbs, loose lumber, etc. must be tied in bundles not more than four feet long and not in excess of 75 pounds.   Rugs must be rolled up and tied, not to exceed 5 feet or 75 pounds.
2. Tires must be dismounted (no rims), then set at curb for pickup.  Limit 10 tires per year.
3. Please arrange a special pickup for large appliances that have refrigerants in their systems, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and freezers by calling 913-631-3300.
4. Construction or demolition materials will require special pickups, call 913-631-3300.

Automotive:
• Antifreeze
• Carburetor cleaner
• Degreasers
• Fuels & Gasoline

Lawn and Garden:
• Insecticides
• Lighter fluid
• Pool chemicals
• Weed Killer

Home Improvement:
• Paint thinner
• Oil-based paint
• Driveway sealer
• Furniture stripper

Household Items:
• Oven cleaner
• Spot remover
• Solvents
• Mothballs.

WHAT NOT TO BRING:
• Unknown materials (no labels)
• Explosives/ammunition
• PCB's
• Infectious waste
• Radioactive waste
• Compressed gas cylinders
• Asbestos
• Dioxins.

* Never mix products containing bleach with products containing ammonia. A toxic gas will form.
* Solvent-containing products have the words "Flammable," "Combustible," or "Contains petroleum distillates" on the labels.
NOTE: Each participant will be limited to 50 pounds or 10 gallons of liquid waste per household.

When you arrive at the site, you will be asked to sign a form and then allow the crews to remove the hazardous items from your vehicle for you. When bringing items to the collection site please label or identify all items. For more information, contact Water Pollution Control at (913) 573-5400.

Many people have requested information on "Open Burning" in the county.
Here is the 2013 Burn Permit Process

Residents are allowed to apply for a burn permit at any of the Fire Stations currently staffed by the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department. The burn permit does not include commercial or business sites. If you operate a business out of your home you are classified as a business and cannot participate. The burn permit is valid for up to 3 days October 16 through November 15, 2013. Applications must be received and approved at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of burning. Open burning with a permit is allowed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The resident doing the burning must be at the burning site at all times. Residents shall maintain a copy of the burn permit on site, an adequate water supply and/or fire extinguisher while conducting open burning. In no circumstance shall open burning occur within 15 feet of any building or within 15 feet from any one’s property line. Piling of brush, tree limbs, grass and other organic materials are limited in size to 100 square feet at the base. Pilings of brush, tree limbs, grass and other organic materials are limited in size to 100 square feet (10' x 10') at the base.

At any time, the KCKFD Fire Chief may revoke burn permits or ban open burning, especially when weather conditions (high winds, low humidity) may make open burning too dangerous. Open burning may also be suspended when air pollution "Red Alert" days are declared by the Mid America Regional Council (MARC) and the Unified Government.
Each burn permit allows for one organic pile per permit, one permit per property. All materials burned within the city limits of Kansas City, Kansas, are limited to organic materials, and burning without a permit shall be subject to Section I-7 (General Penalty, Continuing Violations) of the general provisions code of the Unified Government.

For more information please contact your local fire department.