Proper waste management is crucial for maintaining clean, healthy communities, and Highlands County provides comprehensive trash pick up services to ensure residents have convenient and efficient solid waste disposal. This guide will help you understand the details of Highlands County’s residential trash collection, recycling, and special waste services.
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Residential Trash Collection Overview
Highlands County offers curbside garbage collection for more than 37,658 residential units in unincorporated areas. The service is managed through a franchise agreement with Florida Waste Solutions and is supported by an annual non-ad valorem assessment of $229.47, which is collected on property tax bills.
What’s Included in Trash Pick Up Services
The contract with Florida Waste Solutions covers:
- Residential garbage collection
- Yard waste collection
- Bulk item pickup
- White goods and appliance removal
- Tire disposal
Garbage and Waste Collection Schedule
Garbage materials and either yard waste or bulk items are collected on the same day, depending on your specific pick-up schedule. Yard waste and bulk waste alternate every other week on your trash pick-up day.
Yard Waste Guidelines
Yard waste includes:
- Leaves
- Grass trimmings
- Brush
- Wood chips
- Shrub and tree trimmings
Important yard waste rules:
- Maximum 2 cubic yards
- Roots and stumps over 6 inches in diameter not accepted
- Must be placed in separate containers or tied in bundles
- Maximum 50 lbs per bundle, bag, or container
Bulk Waste Collection
Bulk waste includes large household items such as:
- Mattresses (must be wrapped in plastic)
- Couches
- Chairs
- Coffee tables
- Bed frames
- Rolled-up carpet
- Old toilets
Limitations:
- Maximum 2 cubic yards
- Construction and demolition debris not accepted
- No extra garbage bags considered bulk waste
White Goods and Tire Pickup
For white goods (appliances) and tire pickup, residents must call Florida Waste Solutions at 863-655-0005.
Holiday Trash Pick Up Schedule
Four holidays impact collection schedules:
- New Year’s Day
- Independence Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
During these holidays, the Highlands County Landfill closes, and collection schedules are adjusted:
- Wednesday pickups move to Thursday
- Thursday pickups move to Friday
- Friday pickups move to Saturday
How to Find Your Pickup Day
Residents can use the county’s online service to determine their specific trash pick-up day.
Highlands County provides comprehensive trash pick up services designed to keep communities clean, sustainable, and efficient. By following guidelines and understanding the collection schedule, residents can ensure smooth waste management and contribute to a cleaner environment.
For specific questions or to report missed pickups, contact Florida Waste Solutions or visit the Highlands County Solid Waste Department website.
FAQ
What holidays is waste Pro closed?
- Holidays Observed in 2021.
- New Year’s Day – January 1st. Memorial Day – May 31st.
- *Independence Day – July 4th (Sunday)
- Labor Day – September 6th. …
- On these days: If you receive twice a week garbage pick-up, your service will be skipped. …
- *Service will run as normally scheduled Monday – Saturday.
How do I pick up bulk trash in Highlands County Florida?Bulk waste is any item that is too large to fit in the provided cart. This does not apply to extra garbage bags. There is a 2 cubic yard maximum. For pickup of larger bulk items (refrigerators, couches), call 863-655-0005 (Florida Waste Solutions).
Why hasn’t my garbage been picked up today?A garbage truck might skip your trash pickup for several reasons. Common reasons include improper sorting of waste, overweight or oversized containers, blocked access to the garbage due to parked vehicles or construction, hazardous materials in the garbage, or severe weather conditions.
What is the special pick up rule for the town of Hempstead?To request a Special Pickup along with specific disposal instructions, please contact us. Special pickup items include appliances, bulky metal items, furniture, mattresses, etc. Items containing Freon are collected separately and oil storage tanks must be cleaned and cut in half.
https://www.highlandsfl.gov/departments/solid_waste/garbage_collection_curbside/index.php
The contract with Florida Waste Solutions includes curbside collection of residential garbage and yard waste. In addition, up to six tires, bulk items and white
https://www.highlandsfl.gov/departments/solid_waste/garbage_collection_curbside/holiday_pick-up_schedule.php
Curbside holiday collection schedule. There are four holidays that impact collection schedules: New Year’s Day – Independence Day – Thanksgiving – Christmas