Trash & Recycling in Safety Harbor, FL

If you live in Safety Harbor or are thinking about moving there, trash & recycling are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Safety Harbor has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of trash & recycling, and some of them might surprise you.

Illegal Dumping

Safety Harbor bans dumping, burning, or burying garbage on any land, street, vacant lot, or waterway within city limits, with violators facing fines up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail.

Key details: Governing section: Sec. 10.06(1), Code of Ordinances. Max fine: $500 per offense. Max jail time: 60 days. Continuing violation: Each day is a separate offense.

Fine up to $500 and/or jail up to 60 days under Section 1.12; each day the dumped material remains is a separate offense.

Compared to other cities, Safety Harbor takes a harder line on illegal dumping. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Yard Waste Collection

Safety Harbor collects yard waste separately once a week, capped at 1.5 cubic yards or eight 32-gallon cans, with branches limited to 6 inches thick and 4 feet long, bundled and never bagged in plastic.

Key details: Collection frequency: Once a week, recycling program. Volume/can limit: 1.5 cubic yards or 8 cans. Branch size limit: 6 inches diameter, 4 feet long. Bundle weight limit: 40 pounds per can or bundle. Bag rule: Plastic bags prohibited for yard waste.

Setting out yard waste in plastic bags or city garbage cans, or piling more than 1.5 cubic yards at the curb, violates Sec. 10.06 and can mean refused collection or a special-pickup fee.

Dumpster Rules

Businesses using commercial dumpsters must keep them accessible on collection day or lose their spot until the next scheduled pickup, unless they pay for a special collection fee under city code.

Key details: Governing section: Sec. 10.05(c), Safety Harbor Code. Access requirement: Accessible to crews on collection day. Missed access: Delays service to next scheduled cycle. Special pickup: Fee applies under Sec. 10.07(b)(2). Private dumpsters: Privately owned containers are prohibited.

Miss the collection window and your dumpster waits until the next scheduled pickup day: reaching it sooner means paying the special pickup fee set under Sec. 10.07(b)(2).

Bulk Item Disposal

Safety Harbor caps bulk trash pickup at 10 bags or items on your designated bulk day; anything beyond that requires a paid special pickup, and multifamily properties get one bulk collection per month by request.

Key details: Bulk item limit: 10 bags/items per pickup. Special pickup fee: $84.31 per trip (2023 rate). Multifamily bulk pickup: Once a month, by written request. Definition: Item too big for 90-gal can.

Exceeding the 10-item limit without scheduling a special pickup isn't itself fined, but the city can refuse collection, and any chapter violation makes the owner liable for the city's expenses, losses, and attorney fees (Sec. 10.13).

Bin Placement Rules

Safety Harbor residents must set garbage and trash at the curb no earlier than 5:00 p.m. the day before pickup, with collection completed by 6:30 a.m. and carts off the curb by midnight collection day.

Key details: Earliest set-out: 5:00 p.m. day before. Pickup completed by: 6:30 a.m.. Cart removal deadline: Midnight collection day. Governing section: City Code Sec. 10.05(a).

Leaving a can at the curb past midnight on collection day, or setting it out before 5 p.m. the day prior, violates Sec. 10.05(a) and 10.06(9); the public works director can refuse service for repeat noncompliance.

Collection Schedule

Safety Harbor's public works department holds the exclusive right to collect garbage citywide, so residents cannot opt out or hire a private hauler, and billing starts automatically once a property gets its certificate of occupancy.

Key details: Service provider: City public works department only. Private haulers: Prohibited without city franchise agreement. Billing starts: At certificate of occupancy. Nonpayment penalty: All utilities shut off. Governing section: City Code Sec. 10.10.

Collecting garbage through anyone other than the city or its franchised contractor violates Sec. 10.06(6). Unpaid garbage bills trigger a full utility shutoff under Sec. 10.12(d) until the account is current.

Compared to other cities, Safety Harbor takes a harder line on collection schedule. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Safety Harbor is tougher than many cities when it comes to trash & recycling. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Safety Harbor, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Safety Harbor's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.