Clearwater, FL Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Set Out After
- Set out after 7:00 p.m. day before
- Out By
- Out by 7:00 a.m. on collection day
- Removed By
- Removed by 7:00 a.m. day after
- Once
- Once-weekly residential collection
- No Building Debris
- No building debris in city carts
Summary
Clearwater Code Section 32.281 establishes once-weekly residential garbage collection with set-out windows the night before and removal by the morning after the scheduled day.
The governing body of a county has the responsibility and power to provide for the operation of solid waste disposal facilities to meet the needs of all incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county. Unless otherwise approved by an interlocal agreement or special act, municipalities may not operate solid waste disposal facilities unless a municipality demonstrates by a preponderance of the evidence that the use of a county designated facility, when compared to alternatives proposed by the municipality, places a significantly higher and disproportionate financial burden on the citizens of the municipality when compared to the financial burden placed on persons residing within the county but outside of the municipality.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 32 Article VII of the Clearwater Code of Ordinances governs solid waste collection. Single-family residences receive once-weekly garbage and yard waste collection by the city Solid Waste Department. Section 32.281 requires containers to be placed at the curb no earlier than 7:00 p.m. the night before the scheduled collection day and no later than 7:00 a.m. the day of collection. Containers must be returned to a permitted storage location by 7:00 a.m. the day after collection. The city does not collect dirt, rock, sod, plaster, lumber, metal, or other building materials except through approved roll-off services. Hazardous and medical waste cannot be placed in city containers and must be handled by authorized contractors.
Violations & Fines
Out-of-window containers, prohibited materials, or repeat violations may trigger warning notices, removal of items, and civil fines under Chapter 32 enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I put my Clearwater trash cart at the curb?
When must I bring my trash cart back in?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clearwater
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Clearwater to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview
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