Putnam County, FL Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Since October 1, 1988, Sec. 34-34 has obligated the Board of County Commissioners to provide, or have provided, mandatory residential solid waste collection to every residential improved property in unincorporated Putnam County and in any incorporated area added by interlocal agreement. The service is mandatory rather than optional: residential improved property owners cannot decline collection and self-haul instead, because Sec. 34-37 separately requires every residential property owner to receive collection service and pay for it. The board handles billing and payment collection for the mandatory service area itself, funding it through special assessments, fees, or service charges rather than a flat monthly bill sent by a private hauler.

This mandatory service sits inside the Putnam County Solid Waste Collection and Disposal District created under Sec. 34-31, whose governing body includes the Board of County Commissioners together with the mayors of Palatka, Crescent City, and the Town of Interlachen for the incorporated areas that opted into the district by interlocal agreement. The annual special assessment that funds collection is set by board resolution after a public hearing held on or before August 1 each year, with notice published at least 15 days ahead, and property owners who believe their unit was assessed in error can petition the solid waste adjustment committee under Sec. 34-42. Failure to pay the special assessment becomes a lien on the property, ranking alongside county ad valorem tax liens.