Effective waste management is crucial for maintaining clean, healthy communities, and Polk County’s Solid Waste Division is committed to providing reliable trash pickup services for its residents. With over 750,000 tons of solid waste collected annually and serving approximately 163,000 unincorporated household customers, the county has developed a comprehensive waste collection system designed to meet community needs efficiently.
References:
Trash Pick Up Schedule in Polk County
Polk County contracts with GFL and FCC Environmental to manage residential curbside collection. All residential trash pickup occurs Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., providing flexibility for residents.
Residential Trash Collection Guidelines
Residents receive an automated garbage roll cart with multiple size options:
- 35-gallon cart
- 65-gallon cart
- 95-gallon cart
Key collection guidelines include:
- Place all household waste inside the designated garbage roll cart
- Position cart with lid opening toward the street
- Ensure cart is within 3 feet of the curb
- Keep cart at least 3 feet from fixed objects
- Close cart lid to minimize litter
Additional Waste Disposal Options
Polk County allows residents to place up to five additional bags of household waste at the curb four times per calendar year. For oversized items, the county offers furniture and appliance pickup services.
Recycling and Yard Waste Services
While curbside recycling collection has been discontinued, residents can:
- Use recycling carts for household or yard waste
- Request cart removal by calling (863) 284-4319
Yard waste collection occurs weekly with specific guidelines:
- Collect up to four containers per week
- Bags/containers must weigh less than 30 pounds
- Branches limited to three feet in length and two inches in diameter
- Acceptable materials include grass clippings, shrub trimmings, and palm fronds
Bulk & Large Item Collection
Furniture and appliance collection happens monthly on a pre-scheduled day. Items must be:
- Within three feet of the curb
- At least three feet from fixed objects
- Not structurally attached to the house
- Placed curbside by 6 a.m. on collection day
Holiday Trash Pick Up Changes
During holidays like Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, collection schedules adjust. Typically, collection shifts to the next day based on your regular pickup day.
Finding and Requesting Services
Residents can:
- Use the online service request system
- Download the Polk Waste Wise App (available for Apple and Android)
- Call customer service at (863) 284-4319
- Visit the Solid Waste Administrative Office
Unacceptable Waste Items
Do not place the following in your garbage cart:
- Automobile parts
- Tires
- Engines
- Hazardous materials
- Medical waste
- Propane cylinders
- Large land clearing debris
Polk County’s Solid Waste Division is dedicated to providing efficient, environmentally responsible waste management services. By following guidelines and staying informed, residents can ensure smooth trash pickup and contribute to community cleanliness.
FAQ
What holidays are garbage pickup in Polk County?
-
City of Winter Haven (FL)https://www.mywinterhaven.comHoliday Collection | Winter Haven, FLPlease note that garbage, recycling, vegetation, and bulk pick-ups will not be provided on the following holidays: * New Year’s Day: January 1st. * Memorial Da…
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 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 dispose of mattresses in Lakeland FL?Used furniture, mattresses, box springs, bed frames, couches, chairs and other household items may be placed curbside. Residents needing Bulk Junk collection should email Customer Service with (1) your address and (2) the type of material you have for collection, or call 863.834. 8773 to arrange a pickup.
https://www.polk-county.net/services/polk-county-solid-waste/residential-waste/
All residential curbside collection occurs Monday-Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Holidays may impact Polk County trash pickup, so click here to learn more!
https://www.polk-county.net/services/polk-county-solid-waste/
We can help answer questions about trash pick up schedules, yard waste and garbage collection days. You can also report missed trash garbage, recycling and