Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Auburndale
Trash Day
Varies by neighborhood zone
Recycling
Drop-off only (No curbside collection)
Yard Waste
Wednesday
Set Out Time
7:00 AM
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Sanitation charges are conveniently bundled with water and wastewater services on your monthly municipal utility bill.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Phone, Mail, In-Person
Dark Blue Bin (Trash)
Household waste must be bagged, tied, and placed in the dark blue container with the lid closed. Place at the curb by 7:00 a.m. with the arrow facing the road and 3 feet of clearance.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged and securely tied household garbage
- ✓Everyday non-hazardous household waste
- ✓Food waste
Varies (Provided by WM/Advanced Disposal) Bin (Recycling)
Items must be placed loosely in the recycling cart. Ensure all recyclables are completely clean and dry before disposal.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Clean paper and junk mail
- ✓Flattened cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Food waste or liquids
- ✕Glass (varies by updated WM guidelines, check locally)
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Hazardous materials
Yard Waste Bin
Collected on Wednesdays. Grass, leaves, and small trimmings must be bagged. Limbs < 24 inches in diameter must be cut < 48 inches long. Limbs > 24 inches in diameter must be cut < 24 inches long. Needs 5 feet of clearance.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Weeds and leaves
- ✓Brush
- ✓Small tree clippings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Available by request only
Placement
Ensure items have at least 5 feet of clearance from other objects. Do not place items under power/phone lines or on top of water meters.
Accepted
- ✓ Large yard debris
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Construction/demolition materials
- ✓ Appliances
- ✓ Tires
- ✓ Lumber
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
- ✕ Pesticides and fertilizers
- ✕ Propane tanks and fuels
- ✕ Paint and household chemicals
- ✕ Fluorescent bulbs
There is an additional charge for the collection of bulk items. Residents must call (863) 965-5511 for current rates prior to collection.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When an observed holiday occurs on your regular trash pickup day or week, your pickup may be delayed by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
Wednesday yard debris collection may also be shifted if a holiday impacts the normal operating week.
Contact Auburndale Public Works at (863) 965-5511 or check the WM schedule during major holiday weeks to confirm your exact pickup day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Summer / Hurricane Season
June - NovemberSecure your dark blue garbage containers and recycling bins indoors during severe storm or hurricane warnings to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
Spring / Severe Weather Cleanup
March - MayAfter heavy spring storms, remember that all tree trimmings must meet Auburndale’s strict size limits (under 48 inches for small limbs, and under 24 inches for limbs thicker than 2 feet) to be collected on Wednesdays.
Winter / Holidays
November - JanuaryIf a major observed holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas falls on your regular pickup day, your waste collection and Wednesday yard debris service may be delayed by one day.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Loose Change into Cold Cash: Auburndale Edition!
Did you know you might be able to get a few bucks back for those empty cans and bottles? While Auburndale doesn't have a dedicated buyback center right within city limits, keep an eye out for programs that might accept aluminum cans and plastic bottles in Polk County. Sometimes, local scrap yards are happy to take metal items off your hands too – it's a great way to clear out old bikes or metal furniture before it becomes trash. Check with local scrap metal dealers in the Lakeland area; they're often your best bet for turning unwanted metal into a little extra spending money.
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Chance in Auburndale
Before you toss those perfectly good items, think about donating them! There are fantastic places in and around Auburndale that could really use your contributions. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Lakeland is a wonderful spot to drop off furniture, appliances, and building materials that are still in good shape. You might also find local churches or community centers that accept clothing and household goods. It feels good knowing your cast-offs can help someone else out!
Keeping Our Streets Tidy: Auburndale's Got Your Back
Let's all pitch in to keep Auburndale looking its best! If you ever spot illegal dumping – you know, folks leaving trash or old furniture in unauthorized spots – the city wants to know. The best way to report it is to call the Public Works department at (863) 965-5511. They're the ones who can get it cleaned up. Also, keep an eye out for community cleanup events organized by local groups. Participating in these is a super rewarding way to meet neighbors and make a real difference right where we live.
Drop-off Facilities
Polk County Household Hazardous Waste Facility
North Central Landfill, 5 Environmental Loop S, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What items are prohibited from my dark blue Auburndale garbage container?
Your dark blue City of Auburndale container is for bagged household garbage only. You cannot place yard waste, construction waste, or household hazardous waste (like paint, chemicals, propane tanks, or batteries) inside the cart.
How do I dispose of tree limbs and yard trash in Auburndale?
Yard debris is collected on Wednesdays. Grass, leaves, and small trimmings must be bagged. Tree limbs under 24 inches in diameter must be cut to lengths of 48 inches or less. Larger limbs exceeding 24 inches in diameter must be cut to 24 inches or less. Always maintain 5 feet of clearance around the pile.
Can I leave extra trash bags next to my garbage container?
No, all household waste must be bagged, securely tied, and placed completely inside the dark blue container with the lid closed. Items left outside the cart will not be collected by the automated trucks.
Who handles my waste services if I live just outside the Auburndale city limits?
The Auburndale Public Works Sanitation Division only services residents inside the city limits. If you are a Polk County resident living outside the city boundaries, your solid waste and recycling services are managed by Polk County Solid Waste and Recycling at (863) 284-4319.