Household Waste
Automated Household Waste Collection
A special vehicle, equipped with a lifting mechanism, reaches out to the roll cart, lifts and empties the container returning the cart to its original position.
Residents receive a garbage roll cart for all household trash, but that roll cart may be exchanged for a different size 35- or 65- or 95-gallon cart. To request a roll cart change, call (863) 284-4319.
If a resident is physically or medically unable to place his/her roll cart(s) curbside for pick-up, Polk County Waste & Recycling does offer a Backdoor Service. The service is available to those who complete the Back Door Service Applicationand meet all the requirements. For more information, please call customer care at (863) 284-4319.
Guidelines for household waste collection:
- Curbside Collection Guidelines
- Household Waste Collection Guidelines
- Place all household waste inside your garbage roll cart
- Position the garbage roll cart so the lid opens to the street
- No other container may be used for household waste
- Garbage roll cart must be within three feet of the curb or edge of the street
- Garbage roll cart must be at least three feet from other fixed objects
- Too much trash for your cart? Learn more about Bulk Waste
Note: To minimize litter in front of your home, make sure your garbage roll cart lid is closed
How do I get an additional roll cart for garbage?
- Complete the lease application or visit Waste & Recycling Administrative Office. Each household may have one additional cart.
- Hand-deliver your notarized application and payment to the Waste & Recycling Administrative Office or mail your notarized application and check (payable to Polk BoCC) to the administrative office:
- Waste & Recycling Administrative Office
Attn: Additional Garbage Cart
10 Environmental Loop S.
Winter Haven, FL 33889
- Waste & Recycling Administrative Office
- Cost: $67 One-time lease fee (non-refundable)
- Plus $52.50 Annual Disposal Fee*
- Acceptable form of payment: Cash, check, and credit cards
- Make checks payable to: Polk BoCC
* Disposal fees for the first year will be prorated based on the month the cart is leased. You can view the prorated fee schedule here. All fees must be paid prior to an additional cart being delivered as noted in the lease application.