Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Pensacola
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.
Black Bin (Trash)
Drain and bag raw garbage. Place container within 2 feet of the curb with the opening facing the street, ensuring at least 5 feet of clearance on all sides. Must be out by 6 a.m. on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food wrappers
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Empty aerosol cans
- ✓Alkaline batteries
Tan Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is a voluntary program and occurs once a week on the same day as your yard waste pickup. Keep materials loose; do not bag recyclables.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard
- ✓Paper products
- ✓Plastics #1 and #2
- ✓Aluminum cans
- ✓Steel/Tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Glass containers
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Wire coat hangers
- ✕Aerosol cans
Yard Waste Bin
Do not mix yard trash with household garbage in the black cart. Leaves and grass must be containerized. Limbs must not exceed 8 inches in diameter and 6 feet in length.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small branches
- ✓Pine straw
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
As needed / Scheduled
Placement
Place bulk items at the curb away from overhead obstructions like low-hanging wires, tree limbs, or mailboxes. Do not mix bulk household waste with vegetative yard waste.
Accepted
- ✓ Old furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Household appliances
- ✓ Large household junk
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction debris (concrete, bricks, roofing, dirt)
- ✕ Hazardous household waste
- ✕ Industrial waste
- ✕ Tree stumps larger than 8 inches in diameter
Quantities considered excessive or items requiring special handling may be subject to a fee. Contact Sanitation Services at 850-435-1890 for an estimate.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The City of Pensacola publishes an annual Holiday Collection Schedule detailing shifts in service days. Typically, collections falling on a holiday are delayed by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
During holiday weeks with altered schedules, yard waste and recycling pickups may also shift. Always refer to the city's specific holiday calendar for exact dates.
The customer service line is closed on observed holidays. You can verify your exact alternative pickup day on the city's Sanitation page.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Bag Your Household Trash
While recyclables should remain loose, always bag your raw household garbage before placing it into the black city-owned container. This simple step minimizes insect activity and keeps the cart odor-free.
Keep Styrofoam Out of the Tan Bin
Egg cartons, take-out clam shells, and foam packaging are strictly prohibited in Pensacola's curbside recycling program. Place these items in your regular black garbage cart.
No Tanglers or Plastic Bags
Never bag your recyclables. Thin plastic grocery bags jam the sorting machinery at the materials recovery facility. Instead, return these bags to local grocery store drop-offs.
Seasonal Information
Summer
June - NovemberDuring hurricane season, secure your black and tan carts ahead of severe tropical weather. Do not place yard waste or bulk items at the curb if a named storm is approaching, as high winds can turn debris into dangerous projectiles.
Winter
December - JanuaryWith the surge in holiday shopping, all cardboard boxes should be completely flattened before being placed in the tan recycling bin. Wrapping paper with metallic foil or glitter must go in the regular black trash cart.
Spring
March - MayThe city regularly hosts Mayor's Neighborhood Cleanups. Take advantage of these scheduled community events to safely dispose of excess yard debris, old furniture, and electronics without incurring standard bulk fees.
About Pensacola Waste Management
Reliable Trash Collection in the City of Pensacola
The City of Pensacola's Sanitation Services provides comprehensive waste management exclusively for residents living within the incorporated city limits. Using an automated collection system, the city ensures that household garbage, yard debris, and recyclables are handled efficiently. Unincorporated Escambia County addresses fall under the jurisdiction of the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA).
Understanding Your Curbside Cart System
Pensacola utilizes a standardized cart system to maintain neighborhood cleanliness. Residents are provided with a black wheeled container specifically for household garbage, which is collected weekly. Those enrolled in the voluntary recycling program receive a tan cart. To ensure smooth automated pickup, carts must be placed with at least a five-foot clearance from mailboxes, parked vehicles, and low-hanging branches, with the opening facing the street.
Scheduling and Automation Benefits
To modernize operations, the city employs specialized automated trucks. Your primary black garbage cart and tan recycling bin (if applicable) must be positioned by 6:00 a.m. on your designated service day. Because garbage and yard waste are collected on different days, utilizing the city's interactive GIS mapping tool is the best way to keep track of your specific neighborhood's schedule.
Bulky Item and Special Collection Services
Moving or decluttering? Pensacola offers bulky waste collection for large household items that do not fit inside the standard black cart, such as old furniture and appliances. It is important to separate these materials from vegetative debris and construction materials. Always remember to check with the Sanitation Department for any fees associated with excessively large piles or special collection requests.
Escambia County vs. City Limits
It is highly important to differentiate between city and county solid waste services. While the City of Pensacola Sanitation department manages addresses strictly inside the city boundaries, the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) handles all unincorporated Escambia County neighborhoods. Always verify your jurisdiction using the city's mapping tools before requesting a cart repair or scheduling a special pickup.
Drop-off Facilities
Perdido Landfill
13009 Beulah Road, Cantonment, FL
Materials Accepted
Palafox Transfer Station
2906 N. Palafox St., Pensacola, FL
Materials Accepted
Oak Grove Convenience Center
745 County Road 99, McDavid, FL
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up for the curbside recycling program in Pensacola?
Recycling is voluntary in the City of Pensacola. You can join the program by calling 311, dialing 850-435-1890, or submitting a request through the city's website to receive a tan recycling cart. Once enrolled, pickup will occur on the same day as your yard waste collection.
Where should I dispose of standard alkaline batteries?
Standard non-rechargeable alkaline batteries (AAAA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt) do not require special hazardous handling in Escambia County. They can be thrown directly into your black city-owned garbage container.
Can I leave my black garbage cart on the curb all week?
No. To maintain neighborhood aesthetics, your wheeled container must be placed curbside no earlier than 6:00 a.m. on your collection day and must be removed from the curb by 6:00 a.m. the following day.
What should I do if my garbage container is missed by the truck?
Automated collection trucks require a minimum 5-foot clearance on all sides of the bin. If your cart was blocked by parked cars, mailboxes, or tree limbs, it cannot be safely serviced. Correct the placement and contact customer service at 850-435-1890 to resolve the missed pickup.