Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Merritt Island
Trash Day
Trash is collected twice per week (typically Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday depending on your neighborhood route)
Recycling
Collected once per week on your designated route day
Yard Waste
Collected once per week on your designated route day
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside waste collection and disposal for unincorporated Merritt Island are billed annually as a non-ad valorem assessment on your Brevard County property tax bill.
Billing Cycle
Annually (Included in Property Taxes)
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In-Person, Escrow/Mortgage
Green (or cart with Green Lid) Bin (Trash)
All trash must be bagged before being placed inside the cart. Do not overfill the container; the lid must close tightly. Place the cart with wheels against the curb, at least 3 feet from other objects.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Textiles and worn clothing
- ✓Chip bags and wrappers
Blue or Yellow Lid Cart Bin (Recycling)
Do NOT bag your recyclables. All items must be loose inside the recycling cart. Ensure all containers are completely empty and lightly rinsed to prevent contamination.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastic and paper to-go cups (newly accepted)
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Aluminum, tin, and steel cans
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Clean paper, newspaper, and junk mail
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags or film
- ✕Propane tanks
- ✕Tanglers (cords, wires, hoses, hangers)
- ✕Styrofoam and to-go clamshell containers
- ✕Batteries and electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Branches must be cut to lengths of 4 feet or less and weigh under 50 lbs. Loose items must be placed in a standard reusable garbage can (under 40 gallons). Do NOT bag yard waste in plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves and pine needles
- ✓Tree limbs and branches
- ✓Palm fronds
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Regularly scheduled collection day (alternating depending on zone)
Placement
Stack items neatly curbside at least 3 feet away from your roll carts, mailboxes, and storm drains. Ensure piles are not placed under low-hanging powerlines or tree branches.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (couches, mattresses, tables)
- ✓ Appliances (white goods)
- ✓ Large household junk
Not Accepted
- ✕ Fencing and construction materials
- ✕ Wood and cement
- ✕ Automotive parts and tires
- ✕ Hazardous waste
Standard residential bulk pickup is included in your solid waste assessment. Appliances are tagged and collected by a separate truck within 48 hours for recycling.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your collection day falls on one of the observed holidays, WM pushes collections back by one day for the remainder of the week (e.g., Thursday service moves to Friday, Friday moves to Saturday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and bulk collections follow the same holiday delay schedule as standard garbage.
Brevard County landfills are closed on these specific holidays, prompting the delay. If a holiday falls on a weekend, there are generally no delays to weekday service.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June - NovemberWhen a tropical storm or hurricane warning is issued for Brevard County, immediately secure all waste carts indoors or in a garage. Do not place yard waste or bulk items at the curb, as high winds turn them into dangerous projectiles.
Holiday Cleanup
December - JanuaryCardboard shipping boxes from holiday gifts must be broken down and flattened before going into the recycling cart. Foil wrapping paper, ribbons, and styrofoam peanuts are NOT recyclable and belong in the trash.
Spring Landscaping
March - MayIf you hire a professional landscaper or tree surgeon for spring yard cleanups, they are required by county ordinance to haul away the debris they create. Curbside yard waste collection is intended only for debris generated by the homeowner.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Cans & Bottles into Cash Right Here on the Island!
Hey neighbors! So, you've got a pile of cans and bottles that are usually headed for the bin? Before they go, check out the local spots that might give you a little something back. While there isn't a specific bottle buyback center right on Merritt Island itself, Brevard County residents can often find redemption centers in nearby towns. Keep an eye out for places like aluminum can recycling facilities or scrap metal yards in Cocoa or Palm Bay. Some might even take certain plastics. It's a great way to reduce waste and score a few bucks!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Merritt Island
Got items that are still in good shape but you just don't need anymore? Instead of tossing them, think about donating! Merritt Island and the surrounding Brevard County area have some fantastic places that would love your pre-loved goods. Check out the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Melbourne; they often take furniture, appliances, and building materials. You might also find local thrift stores or charities that accept clothing, household items, and books, giving them a new home and helping out folks in our community.
Keeping Our Island Beautiful: Tackling Dumped Trash Together
Let's keep Merritt Island looking its best! If you ever spot illegal dumping – you know, trash bags or old furniture left where they shouldn't be – it's good to know who to tell. For residents served by the City of Merritt Island's Solid Waste Management, reporting issues like missed collections or illegal dumping can often be done by calling Waste Management Customer Service directly at (321) 636-6894. Sometimes, Brevard County also holds special hazardous waste collection days or community clean-up events. Staying informed through local announcements can help us all pitch in to prevent dumping and keep our beautiful island clean.
Drop-off Facilities
Central Disposal Facility
2250 Adamson Road, Cocoa, FL 32926
Materials Accepted
Sarno Landfill and Transfer Station
3379 Sarno Road, Melbourne, FL 32934
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recycle my plastic to-go cups in Merritt Island?
Yes! Brevard County and Waste Management recently expanded their single-stream recycling program to accept paper and plastic to-go cups. Ensure they are completely empty and lightly rinsed before placing them loosely in the recycling cart.
Who do I call if my garbage wasn't picked up?
Since Merritt Island is an unincorporated area of Brevard County, residential waste is managed by Waste Management. You should report a missed pickup or cart issue directly to WM customer service at 321-636-6894.
What are the rules for yard waste on Merritt Island?
Yard waste must not be placed in plastic bags. Loose debris (leaves, twigs) must be placed in a reusable garbage can of 40 gallons or less. Limbs and branches must be cut to lengths of 4 feet or less, weigh less than 50 pounds, and be stacked neatly near the curb.
Does trash get picked up on Thanksgiving Day in Brevard County?
No. Brevard County landfills and Waste Management operations are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. If your collection day falls on or after a holiday during the week, service will be delayed by one day.