Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Fruit Cove
Florida residential routes generally operate Monday through Friday. Your specific household collection depends on your local county zoning map.
State Mandate
Do not mix yard trimmings with regular household garbage.
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
!Contamination Tips
Keep the Tanglers Out
Because the county's recycling trucks use automated arms and the sorting facilities rely on fast-moving gears, 'tanglers' are strictly prohibited. Never place garden hoses, holiday lights, plastic film, or electrical wires in your recycling cart.
The 3x3 Cardboard Rule
If your online shopping boxes don't fit inside the recycling cart, do not jam them in. St. Johns County requires residents to flatten and cut excess cardboard into 3-foot by 3-foot sections and place them neatly beside the cart on service day.
No Wishcycling Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries from electronics and tools are a severe fire hazard in collection trucks. Never toss batteries into your regular trash or recycling bin. Instead, take them to the Tillman Ridge Transfer Station's Household Hazardous Waste drop-off.
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.
About Fruit Cove Waste Management
Navigating Fruit Cove's Unified Waste Collection System
Fruit Cove residents receive comprehensive residential solid waste collection through St. Johns County's franchise hauler system. Following a major county-wide transition in August 2024, FCC Environmental Services now handles all curbside pickups for the area. The system is designed to provide seamless weekly services, including standard household garbage, recycling, yard waste, and bulk item removal without requiring additional subscription fees.
Manual Garbage Collection vs. Automated Recycling
St. Johns County utilizes a hybrid collection approach. While recycling requires the use of county-provided carts designed for automated lifting arms, regular household garbage is still collected manually. This means Fruit Cove residents must provide their own standard trash cans or use heavy-duty plastic bags, ensuring that no single receptacle or bag exceeds the strict 50-pound weight limit to protect sanitation workers.
Handling Florida Yard Debris on the First Coast
Maintaining the lush landscapes of Fruit Cove generates significant yard waste. St. Johns County requires all leaves, grass clippings, and small twigs to be bagged, bundled, or placed in a personal container no larger than 32 gallons and under 50 pounds. Larger branches and palm fronds must be neatly stacked, and cannot exceed six feet in length or 50 pounds in weight. Ensure debris is never blown into street storm drains, which empty directly into the St. Johns River.
Convenient Bulk Trash and Appliance Removal
One of the major benefits for Fruit Cove single-family homes is the hassle-free bulk trash system. You do not need to call ahead for large furniture items like couches, mattresses, or sectionals; simply place them next to your regular garbage on your standard pickup day. However, recycling large household appliances, known as 'white goods', does require scheduling a specific curbside collection directly with the St. Johns County Solid Waste Division.
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.