Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Tavares
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.
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and recycling fees are billed monthly through the City of Tavares Utility Billing division alongside city water and sewer services.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In-Person
Blue Cart Bin (Trash)
Place the blue cart on the curb by 7:00 a.m. with the handle facing your home. Do not place within 4 feet of other objects. Trash placed outside the cart is subject to additional charges.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Standard municipal solid waste
- ✓Compost material
Green or Blue Cart (varies by neighborhood) Bin (Recycling)
Empty loose recyclables directly into your container. Never bag your recyclables, and do not overfill the container—the lid must close tightly to avoid contamination charges.
Accepted Items
- ✓Dry plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Clean paper
- ✓Flattened cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Loose plastic bags
- ✕Bagged recyclables
- ✕Food or liquid waste
- ✕Glass bottles (verify current local drop-off rules)
Yard Waste Bin
Limited to 2 cubic yards per week to avoid extra fees. Place limbs in an area free of obstruction, avoiding low-hanging wires, sprinklers, and utility boxes. Picked up on Thursday or Friday.
Accepted Items
- ✓Tree limbs
- ✓Brush
- ✓Aquatic foliage
- ✓Yard clippings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once a week (Monday or Tuesday depending on zone)
Placement
Items must be placed curbside away from your automated cart. The city recommends placing your cart on one side of the driveway and bulk items on the other.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Appliances (White goods)
- ✓ Large metal items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Car batteries
- ✕ Motor oil and paint
- ✕ Propane tanks
- ✕ Fluorescent light bulbs
- ✕ Concrete and construction debris
- ✕ Deceased animals
Bulk waste exceeding 2 cubic yards, or collections beyond the 4 free annual pickups, will be subject to a fee of $7.96 per additional cubic yard (rates subject to change).
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a holiday falls on a regular trash day, there is no pickup service. Due to the twice-weekly schedule, the extra trash will simply be removed on your next regularly scheduled pickup day. Collection is not shifted by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
Brush, bulk, and recycling collections that fall on a holiday are also skipped and collected either on their next designated weekly cycle or a specific makeup date posted by the city.
If you cannot wait for the next scheduled pickup after a holiday, residents with a valid ID can dispose of household trash for free at the Lake County Landfill.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June - NovemberDuring active tropical storm warnings, suspend all major yard pruning and aquatic foliage removal. High winds can turn curb-side brush piles into dangerous projectiles. Secure all waste carts indoors until the storm passes.
New Fiscal Year Cleanups
October - NovemberThe city's four free bulk item pickups reset on October 1st with the start of the new fiscal year. Fall is an excellent time to schedule garage cleanouts or appliance upgrades without incurring overage fees.
Winter Holidays
December - JanuaryTavares observes Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Since the city does not shift schedules by one day, expect a longer gap between collections if your normal days fall on these dates.
Local Tips & Community Info
Pocket Some Extra Change in Tavares: Where Your Cans & Metal Get You Paid!
Hey Tavares neighbors! Did you know some of your recyclables can actually put money back in your pocket? While the city focuses on curbside pickup, keep an eye out for local scrap yards or buyback centers. You might find spots that pay for aluminum cans or specific types of metal. For instance, many areas in Florida have programs where you can redeem your beverage containers. It's a great way to do a little extra for the environment and your wallet! Check online for "scrap metal prices Tavares" or "can redemption Florida" to find current options near you.
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a New Lease on Life in Tavares
Before you toss out items that are still perfectly good, think about donating them! Tavares has some wonderful local charities and thrift stores that would love your unwanted furniture, clothing, and household goods. Organizations like the Lake County Habitat for Humanity ReStore are always looking for donations to support their mission. Even smaller, local thrift shops can benefit from your contributions, helping fund community programs or providing affordable goods for residents. A quick search for "donate used furniture Tavares" or "thrift stores Lake County" will give you plenty of options to give your items a second chance.
Keeping Tavares Tidy: What to Do About Unwanted Dumping
Let's work together to keep Tavares looking its best! While the city has its trash and bulk pickup schedule, illegal dumping can really spoil our beautiful community. If you ever see items left where they shouldn't be, or suspect illegal dumping is happening, it's important to report it. Often, your local Public Works department or a non-emergency police line can help. They might also organize community clean-up events throughout the year, which are fantastic opportunities to get involved and make a real difference right here in Tavares. Keep an eye on the city's official website or local news for announcements about these events.
Drop-off Facilities
Lake County Landfill
13130 County Landfill Rd., Tavares, FL 32778
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my trash pickup day falls on a holiday in Tavares?
The City of Tavares does not push collections back by one day. Instead, if your pickup falls on an observed holiday, the service is skipped and your trash will be collected on your next regularly scheduled collection day. Alternatively, residents can take trash to the Lake County Landfill for free with a valid ID.
How many free bulk trash pickups do I get?
Homeowners receive four free bulk item pickups per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30). Each free pickup is limited to two cubic yards. Any excess volume or additional pickups will result in extra charges on your utility bill.
Where should I place my bins and bulk items on collection day?
Your blue garbage cart must have its handle facing your home and sit at least four feet away from mailboxes and cars. The city highly recommends placing your cart on one side of your driveway and your yard or bulk waste on the opposite side to ensure the automated trucks have clear access.
Can I throw aquatic plants and lake weeds in my yard waste?
Yes. Tavares collects aquatic foliage along with standard yard waste (like tree limbs and brush) on Thursdays or Fridays. However, you must limit your aquatic foliage and brush piles to two cubic yards per week to avoid supplemental disposal fees.