Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Winter Garden
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.
City-issued Cart Bin (Trash)
Trash must be completely inside the city-issued container. Garbage on the ground or on top of the lid will not be collected. Place at the curb by 7:00 a.m. and remove by 7:00 p.m. Handle must face the house.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D)
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging
Varies by specific subdivision/county program Bin (Recycling)
Winter Garden does not heavily advertise a separate city-run recycling cart program on its main Solid Waste page; much of the recycling is managed via Orange County guidelines or through drop-off centers. Ensure large cardboard is placed out with bulk waste.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard
- ✓Plastic bottles
- ✓Aluminum cans
- ✓Paper
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Glass (often restricted)
Yard Waste Bin
Grass and leaves must be bagged; loose debris will not be collected. Neatly stack limbs at the curb. Piles larger than three cubic yards incur an extra fee and require calling 407-656-2256.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged grass clippings
- ✓Bagged leaves
- ✓Neatly stacked branches and tree limbs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once a week on a designated day (based on subdivision)
Placement
Place items at the curb the evening before or by 7:00 a.m. on your designated bulk collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and couches
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Carpeting
- ✓ Large cardboard boxes
Not Accepted
- ✕ Appliances (requires a phone call)
- ✕ Electronics/TVs (requires a phone call)
- ✕ Hazardous waste (paint, pool chemicals)
- ✕ Contractor-generated tree debris
Standard bulk collection is free. However, yard waste piles exceeding three cubic yards require the payment of an additional fee arranged through the Solid Waste Division.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Winter Garden publishes specific annual holiday schedules. Generally, if your collection falls on a holiday, the route shifts by one day for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Bulk and yard waste collections may be suspended entirely during major holiday weeks. Always check the current year's PDF schedule on the city website.
For exact dates, residents should refer to the '2025/2026 Holiday Collection Schedule' link on the Winter Garden Solid Waste website.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Bag Your Grass and Leaves
Unlike some cities that use claw trucks for loose yard debris, Winter Garden requires all grass clippings and leaves to be securely bagged. The collection crews will bypass any loose vegetative debris left directly on the curb.
Separate Appliances from Bulk Furniture
Do not mix old televisions, refrigerators, or lawnmowers with your standard bulk furniture pile (like couches). Appliances require a separate, specialized truck and will be left behind if you haven't called to schedule them.
No Construction Materials in the Cart
Never place building materials, heavy liquids, or excessive yard waste inside your city-issued household trash cart. Carts containing these prohibited items will not be emptied by the automated trucks.
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June - NovemberIf a severe storm or hurricane approaches, immediately halt all major yard trimming and do not place bulk items or appliances at the curb. Wait for the Solid Waste Division to announce post-storm debris collection protocols.
Post-Holiday Cleanup
December - JanuaryLarge cardboard boxes from holiday gifts that do not fit inside your regular trash container can be flattened and set out on your designated weekly bulk/large item collection day.
Spring Cleaning
March - MayWhen tackling major spring landscaping, remember that tree removal by a hired contractor means the contractor is legally responsible for hauling away the debris. The city will not collect contractor-generated waste.
About Winter Garden Waste Management
Comprehensive In-House Waste Collection
Unlike many neighboring Florida municipalities that outsource to private companies, the City of Winter Garden operates its own Solid Waste Division. This provides residents with highly responsive, twice-a-week automated household garbage collection. The city issues specific carts for this purpose, and residents must place them at the curb with the handle facing the house no later than 7:00 a.m. on collection day. The city strictly enforces an 'in-the-cart' policy—any garbage placed on the ground or on top of the container will not be collected.
Weekly Large Item and Yard Debris Pickups
Winter Garden simplifies major cleanups by offering a once-a-week collection for standard bulk furniture and yard waste on a designated day based on your subdivision. You do not need to call ahead for items like mattresses, couches, or large cardboard boxes. However, if you are tackling a massive landscaping project, be aware that there is an additional charge for yard waste piles exceeding three cubic yards. Residents must contact the Solid Waste Division to arrange payment and collection for these oversized piles.
The Specialized Electronics and Appliance Truck
While standard furniture is picked up automatically on your bulk day, 'white goods' and electronics are not. Items such as refrigerators, televisions, lawnmowers, basketball hoops, and bicycles require a specialized truck. Residents must call 407-656-2256 in advance to schedule a free pickup for these specific items. The city will then assign a day for you to place these items at the curb, usually within a day or two of your request.
Navigating Hazardous Waste Disposal in Orange County
The City of Winter Garden's collection trucks will not accept hazardous materials such as liquid paint, pool chemicals, motor oil, or rechargeable batteries. Residents must transport these dangerous items to an official Orange County drop-off facility, such as the Porter Transfer Station or the Orange County Landfill. Notably, standard alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D) are no longer considered hazardous in Florida and can be safely thrown into your regular city-issued trash container.
Drop-off Facilities
Orange County - Porter Transfer Station
1326 Good Homes Road, Orlando, FL 32818
Materials Accepted
Orange County Landfill
5901 Young Pine Road, Orlando, FL 32829
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of an old refrigerator or TV in Winter Garden?
Appliances and large electronics are NOT collected with standard weekly bulk waste. You must call the Solid Waste Division at 407-656-2256 to schedule a free pickup. A specialized truck will be dispatched, usually within one to two days.
What happens if I miss my 7:00 a.m. garbage collection time?
If you fail to place your cart out by 7:00 a.m. and the truck passes your house, you must wait until the day after your collection day to report it. The city does not accept same-day reports for missed pickups.
Will the city pick up branches that I cut down in my yard?
Yes, if you stack them neatly at the curb. However, loose grass and leaves must be bagged. Also, if your yard waste pile exceeds three cubic yards, there is an additional charge, and you must call the city to arrange pickup.
Can I throw batteries in my regular garbage cart?
It depends on the type. Standard alkaline batteries (such as AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt) can safely be thrown in your regular trash. However, rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion) are considered hazardous waste and must be taken to an Orange County drop-off facility.