Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Sarasota
Trash Day
Curbside trash is collected once per week, Monday through Friday, depending on your street address and route.
Recycling
Recycling is collected weekly on your scheduled trash collection day.
Yard Waste
Yard waste is collected weekly on the same day as your trash service.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential solid waste and recycling fees are bundled into your monthly City of Sarasota municipal utility statement along with water and sewer services.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (ACH), Credit/Debit Card, Mobile Pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Text-to-Pay), Mail, In Person, Drop Box
City-supplied 95-gallon cart Bin (Trash)
All household trash must be bagged before being placed inside the 95-gallon cart to prevent windblown litter. Carts must be placed at the curb with the lid opening facing the street and at least 3 feet of clearance from obstacles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and packaging
- ✓Styrofoam (bagged)
City-supplied 65-gallon cart Bin (Recycling)
Place items loosely in the 65-gallon recycling cart. Never bag recyclables. Bins should be placed curbside by 6:00 AM on your scheduled collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard (flattened)
- ✓Newspapers, magazines, and office paper
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (Plastics #1 and #2)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food-soiled paper (e.g., greasy pizza boxes)
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires, cords)
- ✕Sharp metal objects
- ✕Liquids
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste must be placed in paper yard bags, reusable cans, or securely tied in bundles. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited. Bundles must generally be under 4 feet in length and weigh less than 40 pounds.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Pine needles
- ✓Small branches and twigs
- ✓Palm fronds
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once a week
Placement
Keep bulk items at least 3 feet away from your garbage and recycling carts, mailboxes, utility poles, and parked cars to allow automated trucks safe access.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (couches, chairs, tables)
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ White goods and large appliances
- ✓ Electronic waste (TVs, computers)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris (drywall, concrete)
- ✕ Hazardous waste (paint, chemicals)
- ✕ Automotive parts and tires
- ✕ Commercial landscaping debris
Standard household bulk pickup is included in your municipal solid waste fee. Excessive piles or construction cleanouts require a private roll-off dumpster or a special haul fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a designated holiday falls on a weekday, solid waste, recycling, and yard waste collection is typically delayed by one day for the remainder of that week (e.g., Thursday pickups move to Friday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and bulk collections follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as regular household garbage.
The Central County Landfill closes on these five major holidays. Always verify specific neighborhood schedule shifts via the city's Cart Smart tool during holiday weeks.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June - NovemberIf a tropical storm or hurricane warning is issued, do not place yard waste, bulk items, or regular carts at the curb. Wait for an official 'all clear' from Sarasota County Emergency Management, as high winds can turn debris into dangerous projectiles.
Snowbird Season
Winter/SpringSeasonal residents leaving Sarasota for the summer should note that the unit service availability charge for municipal utilities applies regardless of active water/sewer consumption if the account remains active for 5 or more days of the billing cycle.
Post-Holiday Cleanup
December - JanuaryLive Christmas trees are collected as yard waste. However, all lights, ornaments, and tinsel must be completely removed, and trees taller than 6 feet must be cut down into segments shorter than 4 feet before being placed at the curb.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Cans and Bottles into Cash in Sarasota?
While Florida doesn't have a statewide bottle deposit program for cash back, you can still make a few bucks from certain recyclables. Check out local scrap yards like South Bay Scrap Metal in Sarasota, they often buy aluminum, copper, and other metals. For a wider range of items, including appliances and electronics that might contain valuable metals, consider places like All American Recycling. It's always a good idea to call ahead to see what they're currently accepting and their pricing.
Give Your Old Stuff a New Life Around Sarasota!
Before tossing usable items, think about donating! In Sarasota, you've got some great options. Goodwill is a popular choice for clothing, household goods, and more. If you're looking to support affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity ReStores are fantastic for furniture, building materials, and appliances. There's also the Salvation Army Family Stores, which are always in need of a wide variety of donated items. It's a wonderful way to help others and keep things out of the landfill.
Keeping Our Sarasota Neighborhoods Clean: Where to Get Help or Report Dumpers
Sarasota's Solid Waste Management Department works hard to keep our city tidy. If you've got bulky items that don't fit your regular pickup, give them a call at 941-263-6170 to see about special arrangements. For those larger, less common items or if you come across illegal dumping, your best bet is to report it directly to the City of Sarasota. They have procedures in place to handle these situations and keep our beautiful community clean. You can also look out for announcements regarding community clean-up events, which are a great way to pitch in.
Drop-off Facilities
Central County Solid Waste Disposal Complex (Landfill)
4000 Knights Trail Road, Nokomis, FL 34275
Materials Accepted
Bee Ridge Chemical Collection Center
8750 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34241
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recycling mandatory in the City of Sarasota?
Yes. Under Chapter 16, Division 1 of the City Code, participating in the recycling program is mandatory for all residential homes and commercial businesses operating within the city limits.
How do I request a new garbage or recycling cart if mine is damaged?
City residents can request a new or additional 95-gallon garbage cart or 65-gallon recycling cart by using the city's Click-2-Fix mobile app, or by calling the Solid Waste Division directly at 941-263-6170.
Can I put my grass clippings in a plastic bag?
No. Due to the 'Leaf It Out' initiative at the Sarasota County Landfill, plastic bags are strictly prohibited for yard waste. You must use paper lawn bags, reusable containers, or bundle your branches.
Where can I safely dispose of old paint and pool chemicals?
Household hazardous waste like liquid paint, pool chemicals, and motor oil cannot go in your curbside bins. They must be taken to the Bee Ridge Chemical Collection Center located at 8750 Bee Ridge Road.