Kathleen Trash & Recycling Schedule
Official garbage collection rules, bin guidelines, and holiday schedules for residents of Kathleen, Florida.
Find Your Exact Pickup Days
Enter your street address on the official collection map to see your specific trash, recycling, and yard waste schedule.
📍 View Official Collection MapService Provider
Polk County Solid Waste
Phone Number
863-284-4319Facility Address
10 Lower Lake Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Collection Schedule
Weekly automated collection of garbage and recycling.
Bin Colors
Black/Green (Garbage), Blue (Recycling).
Guidelines & Rules
🎄 Holiday Delays
No service on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Day; schedule shifts forward.
🛋️ Bulk Waste Pickup
Must be scheduled via the county portal or taken to a local transfer station.
⚠️ Important Guidelines
Being unincorporated, sanitation is managed by the county's franchised haulers.
Comprehensive Guide & Details
Polk County Sanitation Operations in Kathleen
For residents in the unincorporated community of Kathleen, domestic waste management is handled by the Polk County Solid Waste Division. Regular household garbage is collected via an automated truck system. To ensure your refuse is picked up, your designated county roll cart must be placed at the edge of the street by 6:00 a.m. on your specific service day. It is critical to position the bin so the handle faces your home, leaving at least a three-foot clearance from mailboxes, trees, and parked cars so the mechanical arm can safely grasp the container.
Crucial Update: The End of Curbside Recycling
A major policy shift has recently taken effect for Polk County residents, including those in Kathleen. The county has officially terminated its residential curbside recycling program. You no longer need to separate your cardboard, plastics, and metals. Instead of the county collecting the old recycling bins, officials encourage homeowners to repurpose them. You are now permitted to use your former recycling cart as a supplementary container for standard household garbage or routine yard trimmings. Those who still wish to recycle can utilize dedicated drop-off dumpsters located at the regional landfill.
Horticultural Debris and Yard Waste Limits
Florida lawns require constant upkeep, generating a steady stream of green waste. Routine yard trash is collected weekly. Homeowners may set out up to four personal containers, bags, or tied bundles per week. To protect the safety of the collection crews, no single bag or container should weigh more than 30 pounds. If you are trimming trees or bushes, all branches must be cut down to a maximum length of three feet and have a diameter of no more than two inches.
Monthly Furniture and Appliance Collection
When it is time to discard oversized items that simply will not fit into your roll cart, Polk County provides a specialized 'Furniture and Appliance Collection' service. This bulk pickup occurs once a month on a pre-scheduled day specifically assigned to your neighborhood. Acceptable items include old couches, mattresses, and household appliances. However, this service strictly prohibits construction materials, eviction clean-outs, and land-clearing debris, which must be hauled to a designated disposal facility at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is trash collected in Kathleen?
A: Weekly automated collection of garbage and recycling.
Q: How does the holiday schedule affect garbage pickup?
A: No service on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Day; schedule shifts forward.
Q: Which bins should I use for trash and recycling?
A: Black/Green (Garbage), Blue (Recycling).
Q: How can I schedule a bulk waste pickup?
A: Must be scheduled via the county portal or taken to a local transfer station.
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