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Tallahassee, FL Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Garbage and recycling
Weekly curbside collection
Bulky and yard waste
Every other week
Earliest set-out
Day before scheduled collection
Return carts
By the day after collection
Fines
$250 first, $500 each later

Summary

Standard residential service is weekly curbside garbage and recycling plus bulky waste and yard waste every other week. Put carts out no earlier than the day before collection and return them by the day after.

403.706 Local government solid waste responsibilities. - (1) 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 count

Source: City of Tallahassee Code of Ordinances & Land Development Code (Municode)View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 21-481 defines standard residential service as weekly curbside collection of residential waste and recovered materials plus bi-weekly curbside collection of bulky waste and yard waste. Section 21-487(b)(1)a says to place the assigned refuse and recovered material containers at the curb no earlier than the day before the scheduled collection day, and to return them to storage no later than the day after the actual collection day. Containers belong inside the residence, carport, garage or another building, or against the front, side or rear wall of the house. Fail to remove and store them three times within 12 months and the director may put you on premium service for a year.

Violations & Fines

Section 21-515 sets the fines for this article at $250 for a first violation and $500 for each subsequent violation. Crews may refuse to collect improperly placed waste and post notice on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is my trash pickup day in Tallahassee?
The code does not fix days. Section 21-484(b) gives the director authority to establish, change or modify collection days after at least ten days’ notice to affected customers by mail or newspaper publication.
How does bulky item pickup work in Tallahassee?
Bulky waste is collected every other week under standard service. Section 21-489 requires it in piles separate from yard waste and all other solid waste; off-schedule piles wait for the next scheduled collection day.
What time do I put trash out in Tallahassee?
The code sets no clock time. It sets days: no earlier than the day before your scheduled collection day, and back in storage no later than the day after the actual collection day.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Tallahassee

All Tallahassee rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Tallahassee to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview

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