Sanitation Frequently Asked Questions

Anything that we cannot accept, you cannot throw away. Most of these are obvious things. We will not accept an engine for example. Some hazardous wastes are not accepted, those that are accepted will only be accepted when called in and placed curbside for special pickups. If you are unsure of the acceptability of a material that you wish to dispose of, you may call the City Manager's Office at 471-2122, or the Public Works Department at 471-1119. 

In addition to the few restrictions on type of material, there are guidelines on how to place items at the curb. All debris that is to be picked up, regardless of type (household, yard, or special) should be placed at the curb no later than 7:00am the day of scheduled pickup. The debris should be containerized (in a box, bag, can, or other form of container) and should not exceed 50 pounds per such container. In the case of yard debris, the debris may also be stacked neatly or bundled. In addition, yard debris shall be no longer than 4-foot lengths, and shall not exceed 4yd³/week.

On a special pickup day the city has multiple trucks out picking up different materials. Our drivers have been instructed to check all addresses on our pickup list, regardless of the material listed. This is due to the fact that sometimes we get a call for a large bed and it's a metal bunk bed (which goes with metal), and sometimes it's a wooden waterbed frame (which has to be picked up with construction debris). If you see a truck stop at your address, and then continue past without picking up your readily visible items that are curbside, they are more than likely looking for another type of material. If it gets to be later in the afternoon, you may wish to call the City Manager's Office, as our driver can, very occasionally make mistakes.

Although these are separate issues, city residents are welcome to call the City Manager's Office at 471-2122, or the Public Works Department at 471-1119 to have either issue resolved.

There is a possibility. Upcoming holidays are listed on the calendar, and will mention if the collection schedule will be altered on the home page.

This will differ, depending on what area of the city you live in. The city is divided into four areas for the purpose of waste collection.

Special Pickups occur for the entire city on Wednesday, Click here for a map of regular pickup days.

Yard debris and Special waste collection is currently Wednesday for the entire city. Individuals within the City who wish to have yard/special wastes removed from their property will need to call the City Manager's Office no later than 4:00pm on Tuesday, the week of expected collection to be added to the pickup list.

• White Goods (Appliances, Washers, Dryers, Ovens, Refrigerators, ect....)
• Metal Items (Grills, Weight Sets, Ladders, ect...)
• Construction Debris (Concrete, Dry Wall, Wood, P/T Wood)

Unfortunately, refuse collection trucks come equipped with holes to drain off excessive liquids. Although we may plug these holes to prevent large spills of liquid in any one location, smaller spills are not able to be prevented. Garbage trucks are designed to carry solid waste, and are not water tight. Although you should never come home to find a pile of spaghetti sauce in your driveway (as the Public Works Department will clean up large obvious spills); it is common for a small amount of foul smelling liquid to be left almost anywhere a refuse collection truck travels. This goes hand in hand with having refuse collection, and although we apologize for any inconvenience this causes, we are unable to solve the issue currently.

All of these things represent hazards and my NOT be picked up with regular garbage.

• Oil must be recycled and may be taken to multiple locations free of charge, including auto parts stores, and Public Works (Monday - Friday, 10am-2pm) if you call first 471-1119 - more info here.
• Paint, Muriatic acid and other hazardous waste must be taken to Tillman Ridge Transfer Station. (3005 Allen Nease RD, Elkton Florida 32033) ​​THE CITY IS NO LONGER ALLOWED TO COLLECT AND  TRANSFER THESE MATERIALS FOR RESIDENTS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS PLEASE CONTACT ST. JOHNS COUNTY SOLID WASTE AT 904-827-6980