Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Haines City
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.
95-gallon cart (Color varies, typically Green or Grey) Bin (Trash)
Place carts 3 feet apart from each other and other fixed objects. Do not overflow the cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Glass bottles
- ✓Plastic bags
- ✓Styrofoam containers
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging
65-gallon cart (Typically Blue or Green) Bin (Recycling)
All items must fit inside the cart with the lid closed. Do not place any overflow outside the container.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum and metal cans (rinsed)
- ✓Plastics #1 through #7
- ✓Newspapers and magazines
- ✓Office paper and junk mail
- ✓Flattened cardboard (max 3x3 ft)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Glass bottles
- ✕Styrofoam containers
- ✕Food-contaminated paper
- ✕Wax-coated paper
Yard Waste Bin
Do not commingle with garbage. Arrange large claw truck pickups for Wednesdays by calling Public Works.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Stacked limbs (max 5 ft length)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on regular garbage collection day
Placement
Items must be placed within three feet of the curb and at least three feet away from other fixed objects like mailboxes.
Accepted
- ✓ Tables, chairs, and dressers
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Air conditioners
- ✓ Refrigerators and freezers
- ✓ Washers and dryers
- ✓ Stoves and water heaters
- ✓ Barbecue grills
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Eviction or move-out piles
- ✕ Cars, trucks, or auto parts
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
- ✕ Stumps or tree trunks
Standard bulk collection is free on regular days. For non-compliant debris, you may request a special pickup for an extra fee added to your utility bill after agreeing to a quote.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a holiday falls on a weekday, pickup days generally move to the following day for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Routine yard waste follows the shifted schedule, but special large claw truck pickups remain strictly scheduled for Wednesdays.
Any excess garbage left outside the container is normally prohibited, except immediately following major holidays.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Skip the Plastic Bags
Never place your recyclables inside plastic bags. The sorting machines can get jammed, slowing down the entire recycling process. Take plastic grocery bags directly to your local supermarket for proper drop-off.
Trash the Glass and Styrofoam
Unlike some municipalities, Haines City does not accept glass bottles or styrofoam in the recycling cart. Please throw these items directly into your regular 95-gallon garbage container.
Break Down Cardboard Properly
Ensure all cardboard boxes are fully flattened and cut down to sections no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet to prevent overflowing the 65-gallon cart and blocking the automated truck arms.
Seasonal Information
Summer/Fall
June - NovemberDuring hurricane season, secure all rollout carts when high winds are forecasted. If a storm generates excessive yard debris, contact Public Works for a specialized Wednesday claw truck pickup.
Spring
March - AprilSpring cleaning often means hazardous waste. While the city picks up bulk items, household hazardous waste like paint and chemicals must be taken to the North Central Landfill during designated drop-off times.
Winter
December - JanuaryHoliday scheduling can shift collection days. For holidays like Christmas and New Year's Day, pickup typically rolls over to the following day for the remainder of the week.
About Haines City Waste Management
Efficient Waste Management in Haines City
Haines City residents benefit from an integrated solid waste program designed to keep Polk County beautiful. With 95-gallon garbage carts and 65-gallon recycling bins provided to each household, the city makes once-a-week automated collection both reliable and convenient. Remember that carts must be placed curbside no earlier than 6 p.m. the day prior and removed by 6 a.m. the following morning to avoid code enforcement fines.
Understanding Your Recycling Guidelines
Florida's Heart of Florida community takes sustainability seriously. The local recycling program accepts rinsed aluminum, metal cans, paper products, and plastics (#1-7) right at the curb. However, strict rules apply to keep processing efficient—never bag your recyclables, and keep glass bottles and styrofoam completely out of your green or blue bin.
Bulk Trash and Appliance Collection
Getting rid of old furniture or appliances doesn't have to be a hassle. Haines City collects standard bulk waste directly on your regular garbage collection day. Whether you have an old mattress, a broken refrigerator, or a rusty barbecue grill, these can be set out curbside. Just ensure they are kept at least 3 feet away from your roll carts and other fixed objects like mailboxes.
Managing Yard Debris After Central Florida Storms
In sunny but storm-prone Florida, maintaining your landscape is a year-round task. Standard yard waste, such as bagged grass clippings or neatly stacked limbs (under 5 feet), is picked up on your normal trash day. For heavier debris requiring a specialized claw truck, residents must call the Public Works Department to schedule a Wednesday collection.
Drop-off Facilities
North Central Landfill
7215 East Highway 540, Winter Haven, FL
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I leave my garbage cart at the curb past collection day in Haines City?
According to city ordinances, carts must be removed from the curb by 6 a.m. the day after your service. Leaving containers visible from the street outside of this window can result in a warning, followed by a $50 daily violation charge added to your utility bill.
Does Haines City recycle glass bottles?
No, glass bottles are not accepted in the city's curbside recycling program. You must place all glass items safely in your regular 95-gallon garbage cart.
How do I get rid of an old television or computer in Haines City?
Electronics like TVs and computers cannot be left at the curb for standard collection. You must transport these items directly to the North Central Landfill in Winter Haven for proper e-waste recycling.
Can I get an extra trash or recycling bin if I have a large family?
Yes, residents can purchase an additional garbage or recycling container for $80 (tax included). This fee can conveniently be paid in installments directly on your monthly water bill by contacting the Public Works Department.