Understanding your local trash and recycling pickup schedule is key to successful waste management. This guide provides everything you need to know about trash and recycling collection in Polk County, Florida.
Polk County Trash Collection Overview
- Polk County provides once weekly curbside trash collection for unincorporated areas.
- Collection occurs Monday-Friday from 6am-6pm.
- Trash must be placed in provided roll carts by 6am on your pickup day.
- Bulk trash is collected monthly on your scheduled bulk day.
Find Your Polk County Trash Pickup Day
Your weekly trash pickup day depends on where you live in Polk County.
Use the pickup day lookup tool:
- Visit Find Your Collection Day
- Enter your address
- The tool shows your weekly trash pickup day(s)
You can also call (863) 284-4319 for assistance.
Polk County Trash Cart Guidelines
- Place all trash in provided roll carts – no other containers allowed.
- Carts must be within 3 feet of the curb or road’s edge by 6am.
- Position carts with the opening facing the street.
- Keep carts 3 feet from other objects.
- Close lids to prevent rainwater contamination.
Unacceptable Polk County Trash Items
Do NOT place these items in roll carts for pickup:
- Hazardous waste
- Tires
- Car parts
- Construction debris
- Tree stumps
- Dirt, rocks, concrete
- Chemicals, oils, batteries
- Sharps or medical waste
Polk County Bulk Trash Pickup
- Bulk items are collected monthly on your scheduled bulk day.
- Bulk pickup is for large items like furniture and appliances.
- Items must be within 3 feet of the curb by 6am on your bulk day.
- Limit bulk trash to 6 cubic yards (about the size of a Volkswagen Beetle).
Check the bulk trash calendar for your scheduled date.
Polk County Recycling Collection
Polk County provides automated single-stream recycling pickup once per week on your trash day.
Accepted Recyclable Materials:
- Aluminum cans
- Steel cans
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Plastic bottles and jugs
Recycling must be placed in provided roll carts. Keep recyclables clean and dry. Avoid non-recyclable materials like plastic bags, foam, and glass.
Polk County Yard Waste Collection
- Yard waste is collected weekly on your trash day.
- Place yard waste at the curb in bags, cans, or bundles.
- Accepted yard waste includes leaves, grass clippings, branches, etc.
- Limit containers/bundles to 30 lbs. Cut branches to 4 foot sections.
Holiday Trash Schedule
Trash pickup is delayed by one day after these major holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
So if your normal pickup is Thursday, it moves to Friday after a holiday. Check the holiday calendar for adjusted dates.
Handling Missed Pickups
If your trash or recycling was not collected on your scheduled day:
- Ensure you followed all Polk County guidelines properly.
- Report the missed pickup using the online form or by calling (863) 284-4319.
- Staff will investigate and arrange pickup if you followed guidelines.
Special Waste Disposal
Polk County also offers disposal options for hazardous household waste, tires, and electronics. Learn more here:
Key Tips for Polk County Trash Pickup
- Know your weekly trash and recycling pickup days.
- Use county-provided roll carts properly.
- Follow guidelines for prep and placement.
- Avoid unaccepted materials.
- Remember bulk trash and holiday schedules.
- Report any missed pickups promptly.
Familiarizing yourself with Polk County’s trash policies will help ensure successful waste collection. Contact Polk County Waste and Recycling at (863) 284-4319 with any questions. Proper trash handling keeps our community clean!
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