Waste and Recycling
***Yard Waste & Bulk Collection Changes***
***Effective June 5, 2023***
Polk County’s Waste & Recycling Division has made changes in waste collection services effective Monday, June 5, 2023. These changes will affect routine yard trash and bulk collection.
The new routine yard trash guidelines specify that branches should not exceed two inches in diameter, and they should be no longer than three feet. All yard waste must be containerized in bins, bundles or bags, with a combination of four containers, each weighing 30 pounds or less, collected once per week. All items should be placed curbside by 6 a.m. on your collection day. Items not in compliance will not be collected, and if they stay curbside, they may be subject to code enforcement violations.
Bulk collection will be limited to Furniture and Appliance collection, which will take place once a month on a pre-set, scheduled day. Household items that were not structurally attached to the house are acceptable. No construction debris or eviction/move-outs will be collected. All items should be curbside by 6 a.m. on your collection day. Items not in compliance will not be collected; if they stay curbside they may be subject to code enforcement violations.
If you need to report a missed collection, or request bulk pickup service, please call our customer service center at (863) 284-4319, submit a service request online or use the Polk Waste Wise app on your smartphone.
About the Division
Polk County Waste & Recycling's mission is to provide excellent service to Polk County residents, to add value to our employees, to protect the environment and reduce operating cost through the effective use of resources. Waste & Recycling has 50 employees in the areas of landfill operations staff, administration, engineering and customer care.
The division performs a number of key functions including:
- Landfill management
- Residential curbside collection facilitation and contract management
- Household hazardous waste processing
In addition, the division is responsible for communicating information from the State regarding disposal, recycling and solid waste management.
Waste & Recycling Administration Office Open for Business
Waste & Recycling staff are following CDC safety guidelines/precautions. To ensure your safety and the safety of our staff, prior to entering the facility we will be asking preliminary questions through our intercom system to better assist you.
We appreciate your patience as well serve you as efficiently and safely as possible.
Service Updates
The Waste and Recycling Division encourages customers to submit service requests online to expedite response and to use the information on Polk's website for your convenience. We are dedicated to providing you with as many services as possible during this time.
Submit a service request online for:
- Bulk pickup
- Report a damaged or stolen roll cart
- Report a missed collection
- Other requests
You can also download the Polk Waste Wise App:
Customer service representatives are still available by phone, but due to reduced staffing, wait times could be longer than usual and we appreciate your patience during this time.
Susan Pelz
Interim Director
Phone: (863) 284-4319
Toll Free: (800) 780-5346
Address:
10 Environmental Loop S.
Winter Haven, FL 33880
Office Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Household Hazardous Waste
Hours of Operation:
Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Saturday: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.