| Frequently Asked Questions |
Residential |
1. What days are my garbage, yard trash and recycling serviced?
Residential garbage collection is twice a week - either Monday and Thursday, or Tuesday and Friday. Residential customers are provided once a week collection of Regular Yard Trash, in unlimited quantities provided it is containerized or properly bundled and tied. Containers should not exceed 40 pounds. Regular Yard Trash (tree trimming) shall be cut into lengths not to exceed five (5) feet, or five (5) inches in diameter. Residential recycling services occurs Monday through Friday.
2. How much solid waste can I place by the curb?
There is no limit to the amount of solid waste we will pickup, however, garbage should be placed in metal cans, or plastic receptacles, of a capacity not to exceed 35 gallons, or 50 pounds. Furniture such as mattress, box springs, bed frames, couches, chairs, and other household items, may be placed curbside with other household garbage. If you have large oversize household items please call 834-8773 to arrange for a special pickup.
3. Where and when do I place my containers?
Place containers at the front curb, or in some areas collection is in the rear of residence in the alley. Containers are to be placed curbside after 6:00 p.m. the night before, or the morning of collection no later than 6:00 a.m.
4. Can I mix household garbage and yard trash together?
No. In accordance with the State of Florida's Solid Waste Management Act of 1988, yard waste can not be disposed of in a lined landfill. Therefore, yard trash can not be mixed with your household garbage.
5. Do you pickup tires, appliances or dead animals?
Collection of appliances and tires are picked up daily; however, you will need to contact our office to arrange pickup. Dead animals will be removed from City streets by calling the Solid Waste Management Office (834-8773) during working hours.
6. Is there a seasonal rate available?
The form to apply for a seasonal rate may be downloaded in PDF format here.
|
Yard Trash |
1. What is yard trash?
Yard Trash is either classified as being Regular Yard Trash, or Bulk Yard Trash. Regular Yard Trash means leaf, grass and shrubbery clippings and tree trimmings not exceeding five (5) inches in diameter. Regular Yard Trash must be either containerized or properly bundled and tied with each container or bundle not exceeding forty (40) pounds in weight; trimmings from Regular Yard Trash shall be cut into lengths not to exceed five (5) feet, or five (5) inches in diameter. Bulk Yard Trash means wood matter including tree branches larger than five (5) feet and greater than five (5) inches in diameter.
2. How often are pickups of yard trash made for residential customers?
Residential customers will be provided with once a week collection of Regular Yard Trash, in unlimited quantities at no charge. Residential customers will be allowed one Bulk Yard Trash collection, up to one twenty cubic yard truckload, per each calendar year quarter, at no charge. Additional, full or partial Bulk Yard Trash collections requested, in excess of the one quarterly collection, will be billed to the residential customers (see Rates page for details). Residential customers needing a Bulk Yard Trash collection, must call the Solid Waste Management Division Office at 834-8773 to schedule the pickup.
3. Where can I take large amounts of yard trash instead of placing at the curb?
Large amounts of yard trash can be taken to Wheelabrator in Auburndale; however, there is a charge.
4. Do you pick up on vacant lots?
There is no pick up available for vacant lots. Vacant lots are not accessed for solid waste services.
5. Do you collect leaves and grass clippings?
Leaves and grass clippings must be placed in containers or bags (bag weight should not exceed 40 pounds), and should be located with other yard waste collection. |
Recycling |
1. What can I place in the blue bins?
Place aluminum & steel cans, clear & colored glass, magazines, newspapers, #1 & #2 plastic bottles (used to hold non-hazardous waste) with a neck smaller than the base, and flattened corrugated cardboard no larger than 3'x3' in size. Cardboard should be placed under the recycling bin. All cans and bottles should be rinsed prior to placing within recycling bin.
2. Why aren't there two men on the recycling vehicles?
After evaluating different alternatives, the City elected to utilize a one-man system, one which has aleady been established by other neighboring cities and states. Accordingly, the recycling trucks are specially designed for one man collection system. |
Commercial |
1. What size of commercial containers are available?
The City provides 1 through 8 cubic yard containers.
2. How often can you pick up the containers and the prices for pickup?
Commercial customers are picked up from 1 to 6 times per week.
3. Can I change containers if the container is too small or large?
Yes, call the City of Lakeland Solid Waste Management Division @ 834-8773 and request any changes in dumpster size or pickup days.
4. Does the City recycle cardboard for commercial customers?
The City of Lakeland provides cardboard recycling 1 to 3 times per week. |
