Apopka's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles trash & recycling a little differently. In Apopka, Florida, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Bin Placement Rules

Apopka carts must be placed at curb within 5 feet of the street, with 3 feet of clearance from vehicles, mailboxes, and utility poles. Carts must not block sidewalks or driveways. Setout no earlier than 6 PM the night before.

Key details: Location: Curbside, within 5 ft of street. Clearance: 3 ft all sides. Earliest Setout: 6 PM day before. Storage: Out of street view. Lid: Facing street.

Improperly placed cart: warning and may be skipped. Cart left at curb between collections: citation under Chapter 18 property maintenance with fines starting at 50 dollars.

Recycling Requirements

Apopka provides single-stream recycling weekly. Accepted items include paper, cardboard, plastics 1 and 2, aluminum, steel cans, and glass bottles. Plastic bags, food waste, and textiles are not accepted.

Key details: Frequency: Weekly. Stream: Single stream. Plastics: 1 and 2 only. No Bags: Plastic bags excluded. Mandatory: All single family.

Contaminated recycling: collection refused and homeowner billed for garbage tip fee. Persistent contamination: cart removal possible.

Bulk Item Disposal

Apopka provides bulk pickup for large items such as furniture, appliances, and mattresses on scheduled days. Residents must call to schedule. Construction debris, tires, and hazardous waste are excluded and require separate disposal.

Key details: Scheduling: Call required. Max Volume: About 4 cubic yards. Setout: By 6 AM day of pickup. Appliances: Doors removed. Hazardous: Orange County facility.

Unscheduled bulk at curb: illegal dumping citation under Chapter 62 with fines up to 500 dollars. Excluded items: collection refused, homeowner responsible for proper disposal.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Apopka provides weekly residential garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection through the city Solid Waste Division. Carts must be placed curbside by 6 AM on collection day and removed within 24 hours.

Key details: Garbage: Twice weekly. Recycling: Weekly. Yard Waste: Weekly. Setout Time: By 6 AM. Removal: Within 24 hours.

Late cart placement or failure to remove: warning then citation under Chapter 62. Improper contents: collection refused. Unsecured loose trash: fines under Chapter 18.

The Bottom Line

Apopka's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Apopka is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Apopka can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.