St. Petersburg, FL Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

City Code § 27-497 makes St. Petersburg the exclusive provider of (1) recyclable-material collection under the City's single-stream program for single-family homes and multifamily properties of four units or less, and (2) solid waste collection generally (industrial waste and construction/demolition debris are the narrow carve-outs the City may, but need not, handle exclusively). It is unlawful for anyone other than the City to perform those services. Frequency is set out in § 27-502: bulk garbage containers in residential areas must be emptied at least twice each week, except during a Mayor-declared emergency or where once-a-week service has been authorized for minimum users; commercial producers' containers must also be emptied at least twice weekly unless the Public Works Administration official (the 'POD,' the person the Mayor designates to administer this article) grants an exemption based on the material's nature.

The POD can require more frequent pickups anywhere accumulation, odor, or vectors create a nuisance. Bulk recycling containers at single-family residences are generally emptied once every two weeks. Section 27-496 gives the Mayor or the Mayor's designee authority to set container type, collection frequency, container location, and service levels and to issue implementing rules. Collection eligibility depends on paying the sanitation charges billed with water/sewer service (§ 27-557) and on using City-furnished bulk containers (§ 27-534); the POD may terminate collection service for violations of Article V, with appeal to the Mayor or designee under § 27-503.