Phase 1 began January 3, 2011,
Phase 2 began September 19, 2011,
Last Phase begins September 16, 2012!

Over half of Florida’s top 35 cities are served by automated collection and here in Polk County 67% of the jurisdictions are serviced with automated garbage collection. This method of collection promotes safe and more attractive neighborhoods, creates a safer and healthier work environment for collection crews, encourages recycling and in most cases it reduces the cost of garbage collection for customers. The City of Lakeland has decided to introduce automated collection to our customers over a three year period. The first phase began  January 2011.

Many automated collection customers have discovered that the containers have been designed to accommodate the weight of the garbage within the containers in a manageable manner. Large wheels and a balanced design make the containers easy to roll and maneuver. The automated containers are designed with a heavy-duty, tight fitting lid that will help to keep rodents and pets out of the trash; the hinging lid will also design to contain odors.

As part of the program, each residential customer will receive an automated container at no additional cost. There are three sizes that allow customers to reduce the cost of garbage services based on the size of container that they use. This concept is known as “pay as you throw”.

We understand that our customers have questions and concerns regarding a change in garbage service. After all, garbage collection is one of the highest ranking City services in every citizen’s survey. It is our goal to enhance the service through automation. No current solid waste employees will lose their job to automation. It is also important to know that current yard waste pick-ups and recycling will not change. Regular yard waste (once a week) and bulk yard waste collections (once per quarter at no cost) will not change as a result of converting from manual to automated garbage collection.