Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Apopka
Trash Day
Twice per week, collected either Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday depending on your route.
Recycling
Every other Wednesday (alternates between Purple and Yellow route schedules).
Yard Waste
Once per week on your scheduled route day (furniture and bulky items are also picked up on yard waste day).
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day.
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Sanitation charges are bundled directly into your monthly City of Apopka municipal utility bill alongside water and sewer services.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (ACH Direct Debit), In-Person, Drive-Through Drop Box, Phone, and cash at Amscot locations
Pro Tip / Discount
The Senior Citizen Sanitation Discount was discontinued in 2010 and is no longer available to new applicants (active only for grandfathered accounts).
Black Bin (Trash)
Must be placed curbside by 7:00 a.m. on your designated collection day. If near wooded areas, avoid setting out the night before to deter bears.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste and kitchen scraps
- ✓Styrofoam and packaging
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Broken ceramics and glass
Gray Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is collected every other Wednesday based on your specific route. Do not bag recyclables; place them loosely in the gray cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened cardboard boxes
- ✓Newspapers, magazines, and catalogs
- ✓Junk mail and office paper
- ✓Milk and juice cartons
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and containers
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Pizza boxes
- ✕Polystyrene (Styrofoam)
- ✕Clothing, textiles, or carpet
- ✕Batteries and electronics
- ✕Hoses, wires, and tanglers
Yard Waste Bin
Branches must be under 4 feet long and 6 inches in diameter, tied in bundles weighing under 30 lbs. Loose yard waste must be in bags or personal cans (under 30 lbs). Max 4 cubic yards per week.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Tree branches and palm fronds
- ✓Small shrubs and organic debris
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Varies by item type: Furniture on Yard Waste Day; Appliances/Electronics by Wednesday appointment.
Placement
Place items curbside away from mailboxes, trees, and overhead utility lines. Do not block the sidewalk or street.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas, chairs, and dressers (Yard waste day)
- ✓ Standard household refrigerators (Doors removed)
- ✓ Dishwashers, washers, and dryers
- ✓ Televisions and large electronics
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous household waste
- ✕ Liquid paints and chemicals
- ✕ Commercial construction or demolition debris
- ✕ Automobile parts and oil
A $16.11 fee applies for Freon removal from refrigerators. Additionally, yard waste piles exceeding 4 cubic yards will be assessed an excess bulk fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The City of Apopka collects garbage, recycling, and yard waste on all standard holidays throughout the year except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and bulky services are suspended on Thanksgiving and Christmas just like standard trash.
Unlike many cities that shift schedules by one day, Apopka does not provide make-up days for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If your day falls on these holidays, your bins will simply be collected on your next regular scheduled day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Post-Holiday Winter
December to JanuaryYou can easily dispose of your real Christmas tree in Apopka by removing all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and the stand, and placing the bare tree at the curb on your regularly scheduled yard waste collection day.
Hurricane Season
June to NovemberIf a severe tropical storm or hurricane approaches Orange County, immediately halt all yard trimming. Secure your black and gray carts indoors and do not place bulky items at the curb, as they can become severe projectile hazards.
Major Holidays
November and DecemberApopka crews work almost every holiday to ensure clean streets, with the strict exceptions of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. There are no make-up days for these two holidays; service resumes on your next regularly scheduled pickup day.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Scrap Metal? Get Paid in Apopka!
Looking to turn those old cans and metal odds and ends into a few bucks? While Apopka doesn't have a specific city-run buyback center, Florida has a state program that helps you get cash for your recyclables. Check out the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's website for details on bottle and can redemption programs. You might be surprised how much you can collect! For larger metal items like old appliances or scrap metal, a quick search for 'scrap metal yards Orange County Florida' will point you towards local businesses that pay for ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It's a great way to clear out your garage and earn some cash.
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Apopka
Before you toss out items that are still in good condition, think about donating them! In or near Apopka, you've got some fantastic options. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in nearby Orlando is a popular spot for furniture, appliances, and building materials. You can also explore local thrift stores like the Goodwill or Salvation Army located within driving distance. These organizations not only give your items a new home but also support important community programs. Even small donations can make a big difference!
Keeping Apopka Clean: Tackling Illegal Dumping Together
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped where it doesn't belong. If you ever spot illegal dumping in Apopka, the best thing to do is report it to the City of Apopka Public Works Department at 407-703-1731. They are the ones who handle these situations. While Apopka doesn't currently list specific hazardous waste collection days, keep an eye on the city's official website or community bulletin boards for announcements about special collection events. These events are perfect for safely getting rid of things like old paint, batteries, or electronics that shouldn't go in your regular trash.
Drop-off Facilities
Orange County Household Hazardous Waste
Various locations via Orange County Solid Waste Hotline (407-836-6601)
Materials Accepted
WM Vista Landfill
242 W Keene Rd, Apopka, FL 32703
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What holidays does the City of Apopka stop collecting trash?
The City of Apopka works on most holidays and only suspends residential solid waste collections on two specific days: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. There are no make-up days; your items will be picked up on the next regularly scheduled day.
How do I throw away an old refrigerator in Apopka?
You cannot leave appliances out on normal trash days. You must call the city to schedule a special Wednesday pickup. You are required by law to remove the refrigerator doors for safety, and there is a $16.11 Freon removal fee.
Can I get a composter for my backyard from the city?
Yes! The City of Apopka provides a limited number of free NPL 300 Earth Machine composters to residents. You must call 407-703-1731 to request one, though you will have to arrange to pick it up yourself.
What should I do if my Apopka house is near the woods and bears get into my trash?
If you live in an area with heavy black bear activity, the city strongly advises that you do not place your black garbage cart at the curb the night before collection. Instead, wait and place it out by 7:00 a.m. on the morning of your pickup to minimize attracting wildlife.