Trash and Recycling Collection Schedules in Lake Worth, Florida

Lake Worth is a vibrant coastal city in Palm Beach County, Florida. With over 37,000 residents, proper trash and recycling collection is essential to keeping the city clean and green. This article provides a comprehensive overview of trash and recycling schedules, guidelines, and resources for Lake Worth residents and businesses.

Residential Collection

Trash – Household trash is collected twice per week on Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday depending on your zone. Residents must use the black 96-gallon carts provided by the city with lids closed. Carts should be placed at the curb by 6AM with wheels against the curb and 3 feet of clearance on all sides. Garbage in bags next to carts will not be collected.
Recycling – Recycling is collected once per week on Monday or Tuesday. The city provides two carts – a blue 35-gallon cart for containers and a yellow 35-gallon cart for paper. Specific instructions on what can be placed in each cart are listed on the city website. Carts should be placed at the curb in the same manner as trash carts.
Yard Waste – Yard waste is collected once per week with recycling. Up to 4 cubic yards of bundled vegetation plus one dark green cart can be placed curbside each week. Yard waste should be bundled under 4 feet long and 50 pounds following the “4/50 rule”. Loose waste must be bagged or placed in the green cart.
Bulk Waste – Bulk items like furniture and appliances are collected on a scheduled day once per month. Up to 4 cubic yards of bulk waste can be placed curbside following specific guidelines outlined on the city website.
Hazardous Waste – Hazardous waste like chemicals, batteries, and electronics should not be placed curbside. Residents can dispose of these items for free at the Home Chemical and Recycling Center locations around the county.

Commercial Collection

Businesses in Lake Worth receive garbage collection services through the city’s Solid Waste & Recycling Division. Service levels are customized based on the type and size of business. Options include carts, dumpsters, compactors, and roll-off containers. Recycling services are also available to implement recycling programs for businesses.

Collection Schedules and Calendars

Residential and commercial collection schedules are determined by geographic zones in the city. To find your collection days:

Check the Zone Map on the city website
Look up your address in the Recycle Coach app
Call Solid Waste & Recycling Division at 561-533-7344

Downloadable PDF calendars with collection schedules by zone are also available on the city website. Holiday schedules and service changes are announced through local media, social media, and the Recycle Coach app.

Policies and Guidelines

The city website details full policies and guidelines for trash and recycling collection including:

What can and cannot be placed curbside for collection
How to prepare yard waste, bulk items, and recycling properly
Rules for dumpster enclosures and commercial service
Holiday collection schedules
Hurricane/disaster preparedness and response

Review these closely to avoid violations and fines. Common contamination issues include plastic bags in recycling, bulk waste on yard waste day, and hazardous waste curbside. When in doubt, call Solid Waste & Recycling Division.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Right

Lake Worth encourages all residents and businesses to reduce waste, reuse materials, and recycle properly. Here are some tips:

Buy recycled products like office supplies, clothing, and furniture
Donate usable household goods and clothing instead of trashing
Compost food scraps and yard waste
Learn what is recyclable in Lake Worth – when in doubt, throw it out!
Keep plastic bags, wrappers, and foam out of recycling
Break down and flatten cardboard boxes
Review the city’s recycling guidelines

Special Waste Disposal

In addition to hazardous waste, Lake Worth provides resources for disposing of other specialty waste items:

Electronics – Drop off electronics at SWA Home Chemical and Recycling Centers.
Cooking Oil – Collect in sealed containers and take to Home Chemical Centers.
Medications – Drop off at prescription medication drop boxes around the city.
Batteries – Recycle at Home Chemical Centers or local retailers.
Tires – Tires can be recycled for $2 per tire at SWA facilities with proof of residency.

Hurricane Preparedness

Lake Worth is vulnerable to hurricane and tropical storms from June 1 to November 30 each year. Here are some key tips for storm prep and debris cleanup:

Do major yard debris removal from December-April before hurricane season starts.
No yard waste or bulk items should be placed curbside during storm watches and warnings.
Secure trash and recycling carts during storms.
Separate household garbage and storm debris after storms – do not place with normal weekly waste.
Be patient! Storm debris pickup will take longer than usual after hurricanes.

Contact Information

Solid Waste & Recycling Division

Phone: 561-533-7344
Email: [email protected]
Address: 1880 2nd Ave N, Lake Worth, FL 33461
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30AM-4:00PM

Home Chemical and Recycling Centers

Lantana: 1810 Lantana Rd, Lantana, FL 33462
Other locations: www.swa.org/171/Home-Chemical-and-Recycling-Centers

Recycle Coach App – Search “Recycle Coach” in the App Store or Google Play and select Lake Worth

Additional Resources

Proper trash and recycling collection helps keep Lake Worth clean, green, and hurricane ready! Use this guide to learn all about schedules, policies, and responsible waste management in Lake Worth.

Reference

Garbage & Recycling Collection

Solid Waste and Recycling