Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Clearwater
Trash Day
Varies by neighborhood zone
Recycling
Once per week (varies by neighborhood)
Yard Waste
Once per week (varies by neighborhood)
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Solid waste and recycling fees are bundled directly into your monthly City of Clearwater municipal utility bill alongside water and sewer services.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In-Person, Pay by Text
Black Barrel Bin (Trash)
Place the barrel within 2 feet of the curb with the handle facing away from the street between 7:00 PM the night before and 7:00 AM on collection day. Keep 3 feet of clearance from all obstacles. The lid must close.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged raw garbage and food waste
- ✓Styrofoam and shredded paper (bagged)
- ✓Paper plates, tissues, and towels
- ✓Small household electronics (NO rechargeable batteries)
Blue Cart Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be clean, dry, and placed loosely inside the blue cart. Never put recyclables inside a plastic garbage bag. Ensure the lid is closed to keep materials dry.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (#1-7)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans (including empty aerosols)
- ✓Mixed paper (office paper, magazines, mail)
- ✓Flattened cardboard and cartons
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags, films, and wraps
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Food scraps and tissues
- ✕Electronics and batteries
Yard Waste Bin
Bag or box loose grass/leaves (max 50 lbs) or use a non-city 32-gallon can. Cut limbs to 4-foot lengths and bundle. Stumps/logs over 4 inches thick must also be cut to 4 feet and stacked neatly.
Accepted Items
- ✓Tree branches and brush
- ✓Leaves and grass clippings
- ✓Stumps
- ✓Natural vegetative waste
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once a week on your regular collection day.
Placement
Place items at the curb no more than 24 hours prior to service, and by 7:00 AM on the collection day. Keep items clear of overhead wires, trees, poles, mailboxes, and vehicles.
Accepted
- ✓ Washers and dryers
- ✓ Sofas and chairs
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large bulky household furniture
- ✓ Oversized tree limbs (cut to 4-foot lengths)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Contractor-generated tree debris or landscaping waste
- ✕ Hazardous waste and chemicals
- ✕ Motor vehicle tires
- ✕ Construction and demolition materials
Up to 40 cubic yards per year is included. Larger amounts, or excess beyond the annual limit, may be subject to additional time and disposal charges. Call ahead for appliance pickups.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Clearwater solid waste offices close for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. If your collection day falls on one of these holidays, your pickup will typically be shifted to Wednesday of that holiday week. All other collection days usually remain on their normal schedule.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and bulk item pickups that normally occur on the affected holiday will follow the same shifted schedule as the regular garbage route.
Because collection shifts do not cascade forward through the entire week, always verify your specific holiday collection day by calling (727) 562-4920.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June - NovemberDuring severe tropical storm or hurricane warnings, immediately bring all solid waste carts indoors. Do not place yard waste or bulk debris at the curb, as high winds will turn uncollected materials into dangerous projectiles.
Winter Holidays
December - JanuaryClearwater residents can place real Christmas trees at the curb on their regular service day for collection. Ensure you remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and stands. Do not try to stuff the tree inside your blue recycling bin.
Summer Rainy Season
June - SeptemberTo protect local waterways from harmful runoff during the heavy summer rains, Pinellas County strictly prohibits fertilizing lawns from June through September. Furthermore, ensure grass clippings are properly bagged (under 50 lbs) to keep storm drains clear.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Cans into Cash in the Clearwater Area?
Did you know some aluminum cans and glass bottles can actually earn you a little dough? While Florida doesn't have a statewide bottle deposit like some other places, keeping an eye out for local scrap metal yards in the Clearwater and St. Pete area can be a smart move. Places like Tampa Bay Metals or similar operations often buy common metals. It's always a good idea to give them a quick call before you haul over, just to confirm what they're currently accepting and their current rates. Every bit helps, right?
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life Near the Beach
Before tossing items that are still in good shape, think about donating! Clearwater has some great options. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore on 49th Street is fantastic for furniture, appliances, and building materials. For clothing, household goods, and other treasures, check out the local chapters of organizations like The Salvation Army or Goodwill in the surrounding areas. They do wonderful work supporting our community, and your donations help make that possible. Plus, it keeps good stuff out of the landfill!
Keeping Our Shores Litter-Free: What to Do with the Tricky Stuff
Seeing litter around our beautiful Clearwater can be disheartening. If you come across large items or things that shouldn't be in your regular bins, like old mattresses or electronics, it's best to report them. The City of Clearwater's Solid Waste Management Department is your go-to. They have specific procedures for bulky waste collection and can guide you on proper disposal of electronics or other hard-to-handle items. Don't just leave them on the curb if they don't fit the normal schedule – a quick call to (727) 562-4980 or checking their website can prevent illegal dumping and keep our neighborhoods looking great.
Drop-off Facilities
Clearwater Solid Waste & Recycling Complex
1701 N. Hercules Ave., Clearwater, FL 33765
Materials Accepted
Pinellas County Household Electronics and Chemical Collection Center
2855 109th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33716
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the limit for bulk trash in Clearwater?
The city allows up to 40 cubic yards of bulk waste per calendar year for each single-family home. A good rule of thumb is to set out 4 to 5 pieces of furniture or similarly sized large items per week alongside your regular trash to stay within reasonable limits.
Do I need to schedule a bulk pickup for my old couch?
No advance scheduling is required for standard furniture like couches or mattresses. Just place them at the curb by 7:00 AM on your normal collection day. However, if you are disposing of large appliances like a refrigerator or major electronic equipment, you must call (727) 562-4920 ahead of time.
Can I throw an old television or computer in my black trash barrel?
Yes, but with one critical condition: it must NOT contain a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. If you can remove the rechargeable battery, do so and throw the device in the black barrel. If the battery cannot be removed, you must take the device to the Pinellas County Household Electronics and Chemical Collection Center.
What does the 'Simplify to 5' recycling rule mean?
Clearwater uses the 'Simplify to 5' program to reduce recycling contamination. You should only put five main categories of items in your blue cart: plastic bottles and jugs (#1-7), glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, mixed paper, and flattened cardboard. Everything else should go in the trash.