Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Key West
Trash Day
Trash is collected once per week, Monday through Friday, depending on your neighborhood zone.
Recycling
Recycling is collected once per week on the same designated day as your garbage collection.
Yard Waste
Yard waste is collected once per week on the same day as your trash and recycling pickup.
Set Out Time
By 4:00 AM on collection day (or after 4:00 PM the day before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Standard residential curbside trash, recycling, and yard waste services are billed annually as a non-ad valorem assessment on your Monroe County property tax bill.
Billing Cycle
Annual (included in property taxes)
Accepted Methods
Monroe County Property Tax Bill (Online, Mail, In Person)
Pro Tip / Discount
A Disability Discount application is available through the City Utilities Department for qualifying residents.
Green Cart Bin (Trash)
All garbage MUST be placed inside a bag before going into the green cart. Carts cannot be placed at the curb before 4:00 PM the day prior and must be removed by 8:00 PM on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and styrofoam
- ✓Diapers and pet waste
Blue Cart Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag your recyclables; place them loosely in the blue cart. Ensure all containers are rinsed free of food residue.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1, #2, and #5 ONLY (bottles and cups)
- ✓Flattened cardboard and paperboard
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (rinsed, lids removed)
- ✓Aluminum and metal cans
- ✓Milk and juice cartons (rinsed)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags of any kind (the #1 contaminant)
- ✕To-go food containers and styrofoam
- ✕Pizza boxes
- ✕Mirrors, window glass, or coral
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, metal hangers)
Yard Waste Bin
Must be fully containerized in resident-provided open-top cans (max 40 gal) or paper yard bags. Max 10 containers/bags per week (400 gallons total). Plastic bags are strictly prohibited. Cans must weigh under 50 lbs.
Accepted Items
- ✓Palm fronds
- ✓Leaves and grass clippings
- ✓Coconuts
- ✓Tree and shrub trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
2 Free Pickups Annually (Up to 2 Cubic Yards each) & By Prepayment
Placement
Place on the right-of-way only the day before your scheduled pickup. Items must be clear of low-hanging tree branches, power lines, fences, and parked cars so the grapple truck's claw arm can operate safely.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas, chairs, and tables
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large household appliances (washers, refrigerators)
- ✓ Patio furniture and area rugs
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction & Demolition (C&D) debris (requires fee)
- ✕ Bulk yard waste piles (requires fee)
- ✕ Televisions and computers
- ✕ Vehicle tires, batteries, and auto parts
If a pile exceeds 2 cubic yards or if you have exhausted your two free pickups, you must prepay WM for removal. C&D and bulk yard waste are never free and always require a paid estimate.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Unlike many mainland municipalities, Key West and its service provider generally do NOT alter the residential trash and recycling collection schedules for holidays. Collections typically occur as normal on Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Thanksgiving.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste follows the same uninterrupted schedule.
While city offices and bus routes may close, always place your carts out on your normal scheduled day unless a specific emergency alert is issued by the City of Key West.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June to NovemberIf extreme tropical weather, high winds, or severe flooding is forecasted for the Keys, secure all green and blue carts indoors. Do not place bulk items or yard waste out if a storm is approaching, as they become dangerous projectiles or block drainage.
Winter / Snowbird Season
December to AprilWith the seasonal influx of residents and visitors, garbage volumes spike. Ensure your carts are on the ROW by the required time and promptly removed by 8:00 PM to avoid code enforcement violations on narrow Key West streets.
Spring Cleaning
March to MayWhen undertaking spring cleaning, remember that you get two free bulk pick-ups per year (2 cubic yards each). You must schedule this with Waste Management beforehand; do not place "FREE" piles on the curb for scavengers.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Old Cans? Cash In Your Bottles & Cans Right Here in the Keys!
While Key West might not have big aluminum can buyback centers on every corner, don't forget about Florida's state-wide bottle and can redemption program! You can usually get a few cents back for those plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Just look for the Florida Redemption Value (FRV) label. For larger metal items, you might want to check out scrap yards in nearby areas like Marathon or even further afield if you have a good haul. Sometimes, local auto shops or marine repair places know where to take old metal parts, so it's worth a friendly chat if you're clearing out.
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Key West
Before you toss out something that still has some life left, think about donating! For clothing, household goods, and furniture, the Salvation Army often has donation centers that serve the Keys. You might also find smaller, local thrift stores run by churches or community groups that could really use your contributions. Habitat for Humanity ReStores are fantastic for furniture, building materials, and home décor – check if there's one in or near Marathon, as they're a great way to help out and keep good items out of the landfill.
Keeping Our Island Pristine: Tackling Dumped Trash in Key West
Key West is a special place, and keeping it beautiful means we all pitch in. If you ever see folks dumping trash illegally, the best thing to do is report it. You can usually call the City of Key West Public Works department or non-emergency police line to let them know. They can investigate and handle it. Keep an eye out for community clean-up events too; they pop up occasionally and are a wonderful way for neighbors to get together and make a real difference in beautifying our streets and shorelines.
Drop-off Facilities
Key West Transfer Station (Monroe County)
Mile Marker 9, Rockland Key, FL
Materials Accepted
Indigenous Park HHW Drop-off
1800 White Street, Key West, FL 33040
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my green garbage cart or blue recycling cart for extra yard waste in Key West?
No. The city strictly prohibits putting yard waste in the green or blue city-issued carts. Yard waste must be placed in resident-provided open-top cans (up to 40 gallons) or paper yard bags.
How do I schedule a bulk pickup for an old mattress or couch?
Key West residents are allotted two free bulk pickups per year for household items (up to 2 cubic yards each). You must call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 to schedule the pickup before placing the mattress or couch on the right-of-way.
Does my garbage pickup schedule change on Christmas or Thanksgiving?
Generally, no. Key West does not alter its residential trash and recycling collection routes for holidays like Christmas or New Year's Day. You should place your bins out on your normal scheduled day.
Why didn't Waste Management empty my blue recycling cart?
If your blue cart was skipped, it is likely due to contamination. WM follows a strict 10% contamination rule; if they spot plastic bags, food waste, yard debris, or unrinsed containers in the bin, it will be flagged and serviced as regular garbage instead.