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Effective waste management is crucial for maintaining clean, healthy communities, and Polk County offers comprehensive trash pickup services to ensure residents can easily dispose of their household waste, yard debris, and bulky items.
Trash Pick Up Schedule in Polk County
Polk County provides residential waste collection services for approximately 163,000 households in unincorporated areas. The county contracts with GFL and FCC Environmental to manage curbside collection, which occurs Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Residential Trash Collection
Residents receive an automated garbage roll cart for household trash. These carts are available in three sizes:
- 35-gallon cart
- 65-gallon cart
- 95-gallon cart
Households can request a cart size change by calling (863) 284-4319. For residents with physical limitations, a backdoor service is available through a special application.
Collection Guidelines:
- Place all household waste inside the designated roll cart
- Position cart with lid opening toward the street
- Keep cart within 3 feet of the curb
- Maintain at least 3 feet distance from fixed objects
Bulk and Large Item Pick Up
Polk County offers furniture and appliance collection once monthly on a pre-scheduled day. Guidelines include:
- Items must be within three feet of the curb
- Must be at least three feet from other objects
- Only non-structurally attached household items are acceptable
- No construction debris or eviction-related items will be collected
Residents can place up to five additional bags of household waste at the curb four times per calendar year.
Yard Waste Collection
Yard waste is collected weekly with specific guidelines:
- Must be bagged, bundled, or containerized
- Up to four containers collected per week
- Each container should weigh less than 30 pounds
- Branches limited to three feet in length and two inches in diameter
Acceptable yard waste includes:
- Shrub and tree trimmings
- Grass clippings
- Palm fronds
- Branches
Holiday Trash Pick Up Changes
The county adjusts collection schedules for several holidays, including:
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
Typically, collection shifts to the next day based on your regular pickup schedule.
Unacceptable Items
Residents cannot dispose of the following through standard collection:
- Automobiles
- Boats
- Tires
- Engines
- Hazardous materials
- Biomedical waste
- Explosive materials
How to Request Services
To request services or get more information:
- Call Solid Waste Division: (863) 284-4319
- Visit the Solid Waste Administrative Office
- Submit online service requests
Additional Cart Options
Residents can lease an additional garbage cart for a one-time $67 fee, with no additional disposal charges effective October 1, 2024.
Polk County provides comprehensive waste management services designed to keep communities clean, safe, and environmentally responsible. By following guidelines and understanding collection schedules, residents can ensure efficient trash pickup and contribute to a cleaner community.
FAQ
How do I dispose of large items in Polk County?Our service allows residents to place up to five additional bags of household waste at the curb, four times per calendar year. For items that don’t fit in your cart, we offer furniture and appliance pickup.
What is considered bulk pick up?What’s considered bulky trash? Accepted materials vary by location, but common bulky, large or heavy items include: Mattress & Box Springs. Bed Frames.
What is an example of bulk waste?Bulk waste consists of household items that are too large to reasonably fit in the garbage cart. The most common examples of bulk waste are furniture, mattresses, and white goods.
What is not considered bulk waste?Bulk waste DOES NOT include construction debris (including carpet), dead animals, hazardous waste, tires, lumber, fence, stable matter or car parts.
https://www.polk-county.net/services/polk-county-solid-waste/residential-waste/
Our service allows residents to place up to five additional bags of household waste at the curb, four times per calendar year. For items that don’t fit in your
https://www.lakelandgov.net/departments/public-works/solid-waste/large-bulk-pickups/
Customers are provided four (4) free yard waste and four (4) free bulk junk collections, up to 20 cubic yards each, per calendar year.