Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Ocala
Trash Day
Residential garbage is collected once weekly, scheduled Monday through Thursday depending on your neighborhood route.
Recycling
Curbside recycling is discontinued; residents can bring recyclables to citywide drop-off centers across Ocala.
Yard Waste
Collected once weekly on the same assigned day as your regular household garbage.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Sanitation charges are conveniently billed each month alongside electric and water services on your City of Ocala Municipal Services utility bill.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, 24/7 Payment Kiosks, Drive-Up Drop Box, and In-Person
Standard Garbage Carts (including repurposed Recycling Carts) Bin (Trash)
All garbage must be bagged before being placed in the cart. Each household may have a maximum of two carts. Carts must be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day, leaving ample space for automated side loaders.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Previously recyclable materials (if not taken to a drop-off center)
N/A (Curbside Collection Discontinued) Bin (Recycling)
Curbside recycling ended on July 6, 2026. Residents must transport their recyclables to designated Marion County solid waste and recycling centers, such as the Baseline Recycling Center.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and paper
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
- ✕Household hazardous waste
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste is collected once a week on the same day as your regular garbage. Do not place yard waste in the street, on sidewalks, or over storm drains. It should be kept separate from bulk household items and regular trash.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small branches
- ✓Shrub trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your regular garbage collection day.
Placement
Place items within reach of the curb by 7:00 a.m. Ensure there is plenty of clearance around the items so trucks can safely access them without hitting mailboxes or parked cars.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large household items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris (C&D)
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Automotive parts and tires
- ✕ Commercial waste
Standard residential bulk pickup is included in your sanitation fee. However, construction and demolition debris must be handled by private haulers at the resident's expense.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Because standard collections run Monday through Thursday, Fridays act as a buffer. If a major holiday falls during the workweek, collections may be delayed by one day, with Thursday routes being collected on Friday.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and bulk collections are delayed along with regular household garbage during holiday weeks.
Always check the official City of Ocala sanitation schedule PDF or the city's social media pages a few days before a major holiday to confirm the exact adjusted Friday routing.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June to NovemberWhen a tropical storm or hurricane is approaching Marion County, immediately stop cutting down trees or placing bulk waste at the curb. High winds can easily turn loose debris and uncollected carts into dangerous projectiles.
Summer Growing Season
May to SeptemberFlorida's heavy summer rains cause rapid grass and weed growth. Remember that city code limits weeds and undergrowth to a maximum of 12 inches. Stay on top of your lawn care and put bagged clippings out on your designated weekly collection day.
Special Waste Amnesty Days
Varies (Typically Spring/Fall)The City of Ocala frequently partners with local haulers to host Special Waste Amnesty Days. These events allow residents to safely dispose of thousands of pounds of household hazardous waste and electronics that are otherwise banned from standard collection.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash for Cans? Ocala's Got Options Beyond the Bin!
While Ocala residents are great at tossing recyclables into the right bins, did you know you can actually make a little cash for some of those items? Florida has a state program that offers a refund for beverage containers, so keep an eye out for those aluminum cans and plastic bottles. For larger amounts or other scrap metal items, check out local yards like Ocala Scrap Metal. They're usually happy to take things off your hands and might even pay you for them. It's a win-win for your wallet and the environment!
Giving Your Old Stuff a New Life in Ocala
Before you toss that gently used couch or those clothes you never wear, think about donating them! Ocala has some wonderful spots where your items can find a new home. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore on SE 10th Street is a fantastic place to donate furniture, appliances, and building materials. For clothing and household goods, consider checking out the Salvation Army Family Store or the Disabled American Veterans Thrift Store. It's a thoughtful way to declutter and help out local causes.
Keeping Ocala Tidy: When to Report and What to Watch For
We all want to keep Ocala looking its best, right? If you see piles of trash or bulky items dumped where they shouldn't be, the City of Ocala Solid Waste Department wants to know about it. They have resources to help with proper disposal of larger items, so it's always best to check their guidelines before putting something big out. For more serious illegal dumping situations, you can report it to the city. Let's all pitch in to keep our streets clean and our environment healthy!
Drop-off Facilities
Baseline Landfill and Transfer Station
5601 SE 66th St, Ocala, FL 34480
Materials Accepted
Baseline Recycling Center
5601 SE 66th St, Ocala, FL 34480
Materials Accepted
Newton Recycling Center
1750 NW 100th St, Ocala, FL 34475
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ocala stop collecting recycling at the curb?
Effective July 6, 2026, the City of Ocala transitioned from curbside recycling to a citywide drop-off program. This change was implemented to reduce overall sanitation costs and ensure the long-term sustainability of the city's waste management program. Residents must now take their recyclables to designated Marion County drop-off centers.
What should I do with my old Ocala recycling bin?
You can keep it! The city automatically converted all existing recycling carts into standard household garbage carts following the July 2026 policy change. Each household is permitted to use up to two carts for trash. If you have more than two and want them removed, contact the Sanitation Division.
When does Ocala pick up yard waste and large bulk items?
To keep things simple, the City of Ocala collects standard household garbage, yard waste, and bulk trash all on the exact same day each week. Ensure everything is separated into distinct piles at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your designated collection day.
How do holidays affect my trash pickup in Ocala?
Ocala's normal residential collection schedule runs from Monday through Thursday. If a major holiday falls during the week, collection days are typically pushed back by one day, with Thursday's routes being collected on Friday. Always check the city's website for specific holiday week schedules.