Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for The Acreage
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.
Yellow or Grey Cart (varies by hauler route) Bin (Trash)
Trash carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 AM on your scheduled collection day with the arrows facing the street.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food wrappers
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam
Yellow Bin (Paper) and Blue Bin (Containers) Bin (Recycling)
Items must be sorted into the correct bin. Flatten all cardboard so it fits inside or alongside the yellow bin.
Accepted Items
- ✓Corrugated cardboard
- ✓Newspapers
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass bottles
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Pizza boxes with grease
- ✕Styrofoam egg cartons
- ✕Hoses or wires
Yard Waste Bin
Limit of 6 cubic yards per week. Do not use plastic bags for yard waste; use garbage cans or paper lawn bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Palm fronds
- ✓Tree branches
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your scheduled bulk day
Placement
Place items curbside, away from mailboxes, fire hydrants, overhead wires, and regular trash bins so the claw truck can safely operate.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ White goods (appliances)
- ✓ Large toys
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction debris (drywall, tile, concrete)
- ✕ Automobile parts
- ✕ Boat parts
- ✕ Hazardous waste
Bulk collection for up to 3 items is included in your annual property tax solid waste assessment.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The SWA operates normally on almost all federal holidays (including Labor Day, Memorial Day, and New Year's Day). Service is only suspended on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Yard Waste Exception
If your yard waste day falls on Thanksgiving or Christmas, it will be collected on your next regular yard waste collection day.
Always put your bins out on minor holidays, as trucks will still be running their routes.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Plastic Bags Out
Never bag your recyclables in plastic garbage bags. The sorting machines at the SWA facility easily jam when plastic bags are introduced. Return flexible plastics to local grocery stores instead.
The Greasy Pizza Box Rule
While clean cardboard is highly desired in your yellow bin, the grease-soaked bottom of a pizza box is a contaminant. Rip the box in half, recycle the clean lid, and trash the greasy base.
Rinse Before You Toss
Residue from food and sugary beverages can ruin a whole batch of recyclable paper if they cross-contaminate. Give your jars and bottles a quick rinse to keep your blue bin sanitary and viable.
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June to NovemberDo not begin large yard projects if a storm is approaching. Once a warning is issued, regular pickup may be suspended, and piles will become dangerous projectiles.
Rainy Season
May to OctoberHeavy afternoon downpours are common. Keep the lids on your trash carts tightly closed to prevent waterlogging, which makes the bins too heavy for automated trucks to lift.
Post-Holiday Cleanup
Late December to JanuaryCardboard from holiday shipping must be broken down completely to fit in the yellow bin. Wrapping paper without foil or glitter is accepted in the yellow bin.
About The Acreage Waste Management
Navigating Solid Waste in The Acreage
Because The Acreage is an unincorporated community in Palm Beach County, all residential waste collection is managed by the Solid Waste Authority (SWA). Residents here benefit from a highly organized, county-wide system that handles everything from daily household garbage to extensive yard debris. Understanding the SWA's specific guidelines ensures smooth, uninterrupted service for your home.
Mastering the Dual-Stream Recycling System
Unlike single-stream systems in other parts of the country, The Acreage utilizes a dual-bin recycling method. You will use a yellow bin specifically for paper and cardboard products, and a blue bin for commingled glass, plastic, and metal containers. This separation drastically reduces contamination at the county's sorting facilities, leading to a much higher actual recycling rate.
Yard Waste Management on Large Lots
Properties in The Acreage are known for their spacious, heavily vegetated lots, meaning yard waste is a major consideration. The county allows up to 6 cubic yards of yard debris per week at the curb. To avoid collection refusal, it is vital to ensure branches do not exceed 6 feet in length or 50 pounds in weight, and smaller debris should be containerized rather than bagged in plastic.
Hurricane Season Debris Preparation
Living in South Florida requires strict adherence to seasonal waste rules, particularly during hurricane season (June through November). SWA guidelines mandate that residents cease all major tree trimming if a tropical storm or hurricane watch is issued for Palm Beach County. Excess piles left at the curb during high winds pose severe safety risks.
Drop-off Facilities
SWA North County Transfer Station
14185 N Military Trl, Jupiter, FL 33410
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does The Acreage use two separate recycling bins instead of one large cart?
Palm Beach County uses a dual-stream system to keep paper products in the yellow bin completely separate from the liquids and food residue often found in the plastic and glass containers of the blue bin. This yields a much higher quality of recycled material and lowers processing costs.
What should I do if my yard debris exceeds the 6 cubic yard limit?
If you have more than 6 cubic yards (roughly the size of a standard pickup truck bed), you can either store the excess on your property and put it out piecemeal over the next few weeks, or haul it yourself to an SWA transfer station for a fee.
Will waste management pick up my garbage on Labor Day?
Yes. The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County only observes Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. On all other holidays, including Labor Day, Memorial Day, and July 4th, you should place your bins at the curb as usual.
How do I dispose of old paint and chemicals in The Acreage?
Household hazardous wastes like paint, pesticides, and pool chemicals are strictly prohibited in curbside bins. They must be taken to a Home Chemical and Recycling Center, such as the one located at the SWA North County Transfer Station in Jupiter.