Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Fruit Cove
Trash Day
Curbside trash is collected once per week, Monday through Friday, depending on your neighborhood route.
Recycling
Recycling is collected once per week on the same assigned day as your regular trash service.
Yard Waste
Yard waste is picked up once per week on your scheduled curbside collection day.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside solid waste services in Fruit Cove are managed by St. Johns County and billed annually as a non-ad valorem assessment on your property tax bill.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Property Tax Bill, Online, Mail
Resident-provided trash cans or plastic bags (no county-issued automated cart for garbage) Bin (Trash)
Place cans or bags within 3 to 5 feet of the roadway by 6:00 a.m. No single can or bag may exceed 50 pounds.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste and wrappers
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam
County-Provided Recycling Cart Bin (Recycling)
Place items loose and unbagged inside the cart. Keep the cart at least 3 feet away from mailboxes, cars, and other obstacles for the automated arm.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper and cardboard
- ✓Plastic containers, jugs, and bottles
- ✓Cartons (milk, juice, broth)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (clear, green, brown)
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Ceramics and window panes
- ✕Electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Debris must be neatly stacked, bundled, or placed in a 32-gallon container/bag weighing less than 50 pounds.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves and pine needles
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Shrubs and twigs
- ✓Branches (under 6 feet)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your scheduled garbage collection day
Placement
Place bulk items within 3 to 5 feet of the roadway edge next to your regular garbage cans by 6:00 a.m. Ensure clearance from mailboxes and parked cars.
Accepted
- ✓ Couches and sectionals
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Household furniture
- ✓ Large toys
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Hazardous household chemicals
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Whole trees
Standard bulk pickup is included in your annual Solid Waste Municipal Service Benefit Area (MSBU) assessment. No extra fee applies for standard furniture.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
There is no collection on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Day. If your collection day falls on or after these holidays, service will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and recycling follow the exact same one-day delay schedule as regular garbage during holiday weeks.
All delayed routes will be completed by Saturday of the holiday week.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June to NovemberIf a tropical storm or hurricane watch is issued for St. Johns County, cease all major tree trimming immediately. Do not place yard debris or bulk furniture at the curb, as high winds will turn these items into dangerous projectiles.
Spring Growth & Grass Clippings
March to MayAs mowing frequency increases, remember that loose grass clippings cannot be piled at the curb. They must be containerized in a 32-gallon can or properly bagged to prevent them from washing into Fruit Cove's delicate waterways.
Winter Holidays
Late November to JanuaryCollections are suspended on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. If your normal pickup falls on or after the holiday that week, your service will be delayed by exactly one day, with Friday routes collected on Saturday.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash for Cans? Let's Talk About Local Recycling Redeems in Fruit Cove!
Did you know some of your everyday recyclables can actually put a few bucks back in your pocket? While Fruit Cove's regular recycling program is super important, for those extra bottles and cans, you might want to check out places like the Publix at 1795 3rd Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. They're known to have bottle and can redemption machines. It's a great way to make a little something extra while still being eco-friendly. Just a heads-up, Florida has a 5-cent deposit on most cans and bottles, so keep that in mind!
Giving Your Old Stuff a New Life: Donation Spots Near Fruit Cove
Before you toss that perfectly good lamp or those lightly used clothes, think about giving them a second chance! In or near Fruit Cove, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in St. Augustine (2800 US-1 S, St. Augustine, FL 32086) is always looking for donations of furniture, appliances, and building materials. It's a fantastic way to help out a great cause and keep usable items out of the landfill. Plus, it feels good knowing your items can help build homes in our community.
Keeping Fruit Cove Beautiful: What to Do About Dumping and Community Cleanups
Let's all do our part to keep Fruit Cove looking its best! If you ever spot illegal dumping – that's when folks leave trash or bulky items where they shouldn't – the best thing to do is report it. You can usually do this through St. Johns County's Public Works department. While specific community cleanup events aren't scheduled year-round, keeping an eye on local news and community social media groups is a great way to find out about them. St. Johns County also offers special collection days for household hazardous waste, so watch for those announcements to properly dispose of things like old paint or batteries.
Drop-off Facilities
Tillman Ridge Transfer Station
3005 Allen Nease Rd, Elkton, FL 32033
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides residential garbage collection in Fruit Cove?
Starting August 1, 2024, St. Johns County contracted FCC Environmental Services Florida, LLC as the sole provider for all residential curbside collection, including Fruit Cove. They handle garbage, recycling, yard waste, and bulk pickup.
Can I put my household garbage in an automated cart like my recycling?
No, St. Johns County currently utilizes a manual collection system for regular household garbage. You must provide your own trash cans or use heavy-duty plastic bags, and neither can exceed 50 pounds. Only recycling uses the automated county-provided carts.
How do I dispose of an old refrigerator or washer in Fruit Cove?
While standard furniture can be placed at the curb without notice, large appliances (white goods) require scheduling. You must contact the St. Johns County Solid Waste Division at (904) 827-6980 to arrange a specific curbside appliance pickup.
What is the proper way to set out extra cardboard that won't fit in the recycling cart?
If you have excess cardboard boxes that do not fit loosely inside your recycling cart, cut them down into 3-foot by 3-foot sections and place them neatly beside your cart on your scheduled service day.