Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Fort Walton Beach
Trash Day
Monday & Thursday or Tuesday & Friday
Recycling
Once per week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday)
Yard Waste
Once per week (Monday through Thursday)
Set Out Time
After 7:00 PM the night before or by 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash, recycling, and stormwater fees are included on your monthly municipal utility bill alongside water and sewer charges.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, In Person, Drop Box, 24/7 Kiosk, Mail
City-issued 95-gallon cart Bin (Trash)
All household garbage must be bagged before placing it in the cart to prevent odors and scattering. Place the cart curbside between 7:00 p.m. the night before and collection time, with the handle facing your home. Keep it 4 feet away from obstacles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Small appliances (that fit inside the cart)
- ✓Food waste
95-gallon cart with a yellow lid Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be placed loosely inside the cart with the yellow lid. Do not bag recyclables in plastic bags. Do not leave items on top of the lid.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard
- ✓Paper
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Metal and aluminum cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
Yard Waste Bin
Placed at the curb separate from carts. Limited to 4 cubic yards per week per household. Branches cannot exceed 4 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length. Piles exceeding 4 cubic yards require scheduling and a fee.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass and shrub clippings
- ✓Twigs and garden residue
- ✓Branches (max 4 inches diameter, max 4 feet long)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Scheduled pickups occur on Fridays
Placement
Place large items at the curb Thursday evening, ensuring they are at least four feet away from your regular garbage and recycling containers.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Refrigerators (white goods)
- ✓ Washers and dryers
- ✓ Water heaters
Not Accepted
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Construction materials (drywall, wood)
- ✕ Concrete, bricks, dirt, rocks, sand
- ✕ Hazardous materials
- ✕ Glass (table tops, doors, windows)
Bulk waste exceeding the 4 cubic yard monthly limit is subject to a fee. Call 850-833-9655 before 3:00 p.m. on Thursday to get on the Friday schedule.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The City of Fort Walton Beach strictly halts all residential, commercial, and yard waste collection on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. On these three holidays, service is delayed by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
On several minor holidays (MLK Jr. Day, Spring Holiday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, 4th of July, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve), regular trash and recycling are collected, but yard waste collection is suspended.
Always check the city's holiday guide: 'When in doubt, put it out!' for minor holidays, but remember yard waste might be skipped.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June - NovemberPrior to a forecasted tropical storm, secure your empty 95-gallon carts indoors or in a garage. Do not place yard waste or bulk items at the curb if a storm watch has been issued, as they can become dangerous projectiles.
Summer Heat
May - SeptemberThe city recommends combating strong garbage odors during the humid Florida summer by sprinkling baking soda or placing used dryer sheets at the bottom of your 95-gallon cart.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Scrap into Treasure Around FWB!
Got old metal bits or cans hanging around your Fort Walton Beach place? Instead of letting them gather dust, consider a quick trip to a local scrap yard. While FWB itself might not have a dedicated buyback center right in town, nearby Okaloosa County often has options. You might be surprised how much those aluminum cans or old appliances can fetch. Also, keep an eye out for Florida's state-specific bottle deposit law – while it doesn't cover all cans and bottles, you can still get a few cents back for eligible beverage containers at participating stores.
Giving Good Stuff a Second Life in Our Beach Town
Before you toss that gently used couch or those clothes that just don't fit anymore, think about donating them! There are wonderful organizations in and around Fort Walton Beach that would be thrilled to give your unwanted items a new home. Consider checking out the chains like Goodwill or Salvation Army, which often have locations within reasonable driving distance. For larger items or building materials, Habitat for Humanity ReStores can be a fantastic option, supporting local building projects and keeping good resources out of the landfill.
Keeping Fort Walton Beach Beautiful: Tackling Trash Together
We all want to enjoy our beautiful Fort Walton Beach, right? If you ever spot illegal dumping, it's super important to report it. The City of Fort Walton Beach Solid Waste Division is the team to call at (850) 833-9655. They handle these issues seriously. Plus, staying aware of any community clean-up events is a great way to pitch in and keep our neighborhoods looking their best. Keep an eye on local community boards or the city's website for announcements about these volunteer opportunities – it’s a fantastic way to connect with neighbors and make a real difference.
Drop-off Facilities
South Okaloosa County Transfer Station
80 Ready Ave NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a bulk pickup for an old sofa in Fort Walton Beach?
Bulk waste, including furniture and appliances, is collected exclusively on Fridays. You must call the Sanitation Division at 850-833-9655 before 3:00 p.m. on Thursday to schedule the pickup. You are allowed 4 cubic yards per month for free.
Will my trash be picked up on the 4th of July or Memorial Day?
Yes. The City of Fort Walton Beach runs its regularly scheduled residential garbage and recycling routes on minor holidays like Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day. However, yard waste collection is suspended on those days.
What happens if my yard waste pile is larger than the limit?
The city collects a maximum of 4 cubic yards of yard waste per household per week. If your pile (branches, leaves, grass) exceeds this limit, you must call the city to arrange an estimate, as the removal of the excess amount will be subject to an extra charge.
Which way should my trash cart face at the curb?
You must place your 95-gallon cart within three feet of the curb with the handle facing toward your home. Additionally, leave at least four feet of clearance between the cart and any other objects like mailboxes, cars, or other carts.