Solid Waste Facilities

Solid Waste Facilities

Click HERE to download the Solid Waste How-To Guide for Residents in Sarasota County.

Chemical Collection Center (North) 8750 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota Administration Office Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Re-Uz-It Shop Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Disposal Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Central County Solid Waste Disposal Complex (Landfill) 4000 Knights Trail Road, Nokomis Administration Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Citizens’ Convenience Center Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Disposal Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.* Disposal Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.* *NOTE: All customers unloading item by hand need to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to closing.

Chemical Collection Center (South) 250 S. Jackson Road, Venice Disposal Wednesday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Curbside Collection Hours Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Serenoa Lakes normal collection day is Wednesday.

All facilities are closed on New Year's Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If the observed holiday falls on a weekday, Central County Solid Waste Disposal Complex operations (except for construction and demolition) and the Citizens’ Convenience Center will remain open until 5 p.m. on the Saturday following the holiday. Administration and north and south Chemical Collection Centers are also closed on government holidays. No collection service will be provided on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Collection service will be delayed one day from the holiday for the remainder of the week. Any regular Friday collection delayed by a holiday will occur on Saturday.

HOLIDAYS

Garbage, recycling and yard waste are all collected on the same day. Containers/items may be placed at the curb no earlier than 5 p.m. the day before collection and should be curbside by 6 a.m. on your collection day. Empty containers must be brought in from the curb by 10 a.m. on the day following collection. Garbage must be placed in containers with closed lids, or in closed plastic bags and cannot weigh more than 40 pounds each. Items that weigh more require a special pickup and a separate disposal fee will apply. Contact Waste Management for a price quote. Place all containers and items no more than 3 feet from the curb. Stack bags and other items neatly. Do not mix yard waste, household hazardous waste, motor oil, recyclables or needles in garbage containers or bags. Separate garbage and yard waste containers by placing them on opposite sides of your driveway, if possible. Store garbage containers beside your home or in the backyard, not in front.

RESIDENTIAL CURBSIDE COLLECTIONS

Garbage, recycling and yard waste are all collected on the same day (typically Wednesday in Serenoa Lakes). Containers/items may be placed at the curb no earlier than 5 p.m. the day before collection and should be curbside by 6 a.m. on your collection day. Empty containers must be brought in from the curb by 10 a.m. on the day following collection.

Garbage

Garbage must be placed in containers with closed lids, or in closed plastic bags and cannot weigh more than 40 pounds each. Items that weigh more require a special pickup and a separate disposal fee will apply. Contact Waste Management for a price quote.

Place all containers and items no more than 3 feet from the curb. Stack bags and other items neatly. Do not mix yard waste, household hazardous waste, motor oil, recyclables or needles in garbage containers or bags. Separate garbage and yard waste containers by placing them on opposite sides of your driveway, if possible. Store garbage containers beside your home or in the backyard, not in front.

*Appliances

Appliances, such as air conditioners, washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers, stoves and ovens, trash compactors and water heaters may be placed at the curb for collection. Residents should call Waste Management 48 hours prior to their regular collection day to schedule a pickup. Small appliances, such as blenders, coffee makers, paper shredders, radios, stereos, VCR and DVD players, can be placed in the garbage for disposal.

Bulk and Oversized Items

Bulk items can also be placed at the curb and picked up for free on your regular collection day. Examples of bulk items include bathroom fixtures (toilet [remove tank from bowl], sink and small vanity), barbecue grills (remove the propane cylinder and return to a local retailer or one of the Chemical Collection Centers), carpet (cut to 4 feet in length, no heavier than 40 pounds, rolled and tied or folded and tied), furniture, push lawnmowers (remove the oil and gas) and wooden pallets no larger than 4 feet by 4 feet. Oversized items are not included in the residential collection program and pickups for oversized waste must be scheduled with Waste Management prior to your regular collection day. Supplemental service fees may apply. Oversized items include basketball poles, bathtubs, carpet (rolls longer than 4 feet), Christmas trees (more than 6 feet tall), construction debris exceeding four 32-gallon containers, exercise equipment, garage doors and openers, glass windows and tabletops, mirrors, king-size mattresses (including box springs), pianos and organs, picnic tables, playground equipment, riding lawn mowers (all fluids must be removed prior to pick up), sheds, sliding glass doors, sofa beds and unprepared lumber, fencing or yard waste exceeding 40 pounds, 16 inches in diameter, 4 feet in length, or debris that is not canned, bagged, or bundled and tied.

Electronics, Monitors and TVs

Sarasota County residents may bring computer systems, fax machines, keyboards, power supplies, printers and scanners for free drop-off at one of the Chemical Collection Centers. Businesses may bring eligible electronics, including TVs and monitors, to the Bee Ridge Chemical Collection Center or the Citizens’ Convenience Center for disposal as part of Project Green Sweep (charges apply). TVs and monitors may be placed at the curb for pickup during regular weekly collection services. If TVs weigh more than 40 pounds, contact Waste Management to schedule a pickup. Requests should be made prior to your collection day. TVs and monitors may be disposed of at the Central County Solid Waste Disposal Complex (standard disposal fees apply).

Moving Boxes

Sarasota County offers a free one-time courtesy curbside cardboard pickup for new residents. To schedule your one-time courtesy pickup, contact Waste Management at 941-493-4100.

*Advance Notice Required

Sarasota County Recycling

Click HERE to download the poster showing what is Recycleable. Click HERE to see the "Basics of Recycling".

Recycling began in Sarasota County in 1991 when a voter referendum added mandatory recycling for both residences and businesses through the county charter. Recycling carts may be placed at the curb no earlier than 5 p.m. the day before collection and should be curbside by 6 a.m. on your collection day. Empty containers should be brought in from the curb by 10 a.m. on the day following collection. Position the cart so that the opening of the lid is facing the street and be sure to keep the cart at least 3 feet away from other objects such as mailboxes, utility poles and cars so that the automated arm on the recycling truck can easily access the cart for service. When loading the recycling cart, remember to place clean and dry recyclable materials loose in the cart. Items should not be contained in plastic bags. Keep food waste, hazardous waste, yard waste and non-recyclable materials out of the recycling cart. Do not overload. The lid must close completely.

ACCEPTABLE RECYCLABLE MATERIALS~

Empty, rise, and replace cap (if possible) to all of the following:

Aluminum and steel cans.
CANS, CARTONS, GLASS: Food and beverage cartons, bottles and jars.
PAPER, PLASTICS: Mixed paper, paper board, newspaper and magazines. Flatten cardboard and boxes.
KITCHEN, LANDRY, BATH BOTTLES/CONTAINERS

Contamination

One of the biggest challenges communities face is the risk of contamination. Any item placed in a recycling container that is not accepted in the local recycling program is considered a contaminant. Some of the most common contamination items include food and liquids, non-recyclable plastic, small appliances and yard waste. Plastic bags and tanglers (i.e. hoses, holiday lights, hangers and extension cords) tend to wrap around the recycling processing equipment and can cause massive delays for a recycling processor. To prevent contamination, only place items accepted in Sarasota County's recycling program into the recycling container. Non-recyclable materials and materials that are not accepted in Sarasota County’s recycling program must be sorted out at the recycling facility and transported to the landfill for disposal, which increases labor and disposal costs. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out!

NO Non-Recyclable Plastic
NO Recyclables in Plastic Bags
NO Food and Liquids NO Paper Napkins, Plates, Cups and Tissues
NO Polystyrene Foam NO Yard Waste NO Electronics and Small Appliances
NO Hoses, Holiday Lights, Hangers and Extension Cords
NO Plastic Bags, Film/ Sheeting and Flexible Film Packaging
NO Textiles, Bedding, Rugs and Carpet
NO Auto Parts and Scrap Metal
NO Concrete, Wood and Construction Debris

NOT ACCEPTED MATERIALS

These items are NOT recyclable and should be placed in the garbage for disposal.

Non-Recyclable Items: • Broken glass • Ceramic tiles • Dishes and glassware • Eyeglasses • Flowerpots (ceramic, clay or plastic) • Hangers • Hard-cover books • Lightbulbs• Mirrors • Packing materials • Plastic deli trays • Plastic toys • Pool and other chemical containers • Pots, pans or ovenware • Styrofoam® and Styrofoam® peanuts • Window glass

Unsure if an item is recyclable in Sarasota County? Download the Recycle Coach app and access the "What Goes Where" feature for more information.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Empty and rinse cans, bottles and jars, and replace caps.

• Containers should be one gallon or less in size.

• Coat hangers, dishes, glassware, pans, pots and plane glass go in the garbage.

• Plastic items marked #6, plastic bags and Styrofoam should be placed in the garbage.

• Flatten all boxes.

• Remove liner and food from pizza boxes.

• Place food contaminated paper/ cardboard products in the garbage.

• Place shredded paper in paper bags only (no plastic).

Yard Waste

Yard waste includes grass clippings, leaves, shrub trimmings, palm fronds, small tree limbs and branches. It should be placed separately from garbage and recyclables at the curb for collection. If possible, place yard waste in reusable containers like an old garbage can. Plastic and paper bags require additional handling to remove contents prior to processing. Remove fruit from tree branches and dispose of the fruit in the garbage. All tinsel and ornaments should be removed from holiday trees before placing them at the curb. Trees taller than 6 feet must be cut in half. Unprepared yard waste or yard waste placed in cardboard boxes, wheelbarrows or recycling containers will not be picked up. Lumber, fencing and other treated wood is not yard waste. It should be properly prepared and placed with your garbage for collection. Properly prepared yard waste should be: • Bagged, containerized or bundled and tied. • 4’ or less in length. • 16” or less in diameter. • 40 pounds or less in weight (each bag, can or bundle).

Common household products like aerosols, cleaners and fluorescent lamps can release toxic propellants, chemicals and mercury into the atmosphere and waterways when they are abandoned in garages, crushed in waste hauling vehicles or placed in the landfill. Most household hazardous wastes are not collected curbside. Sarasota County residents may take accepted items generated from their home that are not from business-related activities to one of the county's Chemical Collection Centers for safe disposal free of charge. Proof of county residency (driver’s license, tax bill, utility bill, etc.) may be required.

Ammunition, Flares and Firearms Disposal - Residents should contact local law enforcement for specific instructions on how to dispose of ammunition, flares or firearms.
Automotive Products - Automotive fluids and antifreeze can be brought to one of the county’s Chemical Collection Centers for safe disposal or returned to stores that accept them.
Batteries - Alkaline batteries may be placed in the garbage (AA, AAA, 9volt, C, D). Rechargeable, button, nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion batteries should be brought to one of the county’s Chemical Collection Centers or a local retailer for recycling and safe disposal.
Chemicals - Chemical cleaning products, lawn and garden chemicals, fertilizer, pesticides and pool chemicals should be brought to one of the county’s Chemical Collection Centers for safe disposal.
Fluorescent Lightbulbs - Fluorescent lightbulbs and tubes contain mercury and should be brought to one of the county’s Chemical Collection Centers for safe disposal. Please separate fluorescent lamps and ballast from the fixtures prior to arrival.
Fuels and Tanks - Residents may dispose of gasoline, diesel, kerosene or propane tanks (up to 20 pounds) at one of the county’s Chemical Collection Centers.

PERSONAL HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE

Medications

Residents wishing to dispose of pills, tablets or non-liquid medications should use the permanent drop boxes located at each of the area law enforcement agencies or check with local pharmacies to confirm if they have disposal kiosks set up to accept medications, ointments and patches.

Miscellaneous Items

Sarasota County’s Chemical Collection Centers also accepts items such as automotive products, fire extinguishers, gas, paint thinner, solvents and toxic waste from residents in Sarasota County.

Needle Disposal and Free Sharps Containers

Never place needles or lancets in your garbage or recycling containers. Sarasota County offers free needle collection containers and disposal services to residents. For program information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County at 941-861-6133.

Paint Disposal

Sarasota County residents may dispose of unwanted paint from their residence at one of the three Chemical Collection Centers. Dried, water-based paint can be disposed of in the garbage.

Used Motor Oil, Oil Filters and Tire Disposal

Used motor oil and oil filters may be placed at the curb for pickup during regular weekly collection services by following the procedures outlined in the Helpful Tips section or brought to one of the three Chemical Collection Centers for disposal. Automotive tires may also be placed curbside for collection following the procedures outlined in the Helpful Tips section or they may be disposed of at the Central County Solid Waste Disposal Complex (standard disposal rates apply).

Used Motor Oil • Place in see-through plastic beverage containers (one gallon or less in size) with a screw-top cap. Empty oil container may be placed in the garbage. • Mark all containers with the words “used oil.” • Place used oil next to garbage containers on your regular pickup day. • Limit five gallons per week. Used Oil Filters • Place in a sealed, clear plastic bag. • Place oil filters next to garbage containers on your regular pickup day. • Limit five oil filters per week.

Used Tires • Must be 25” or less in diameter. • May be on or off the rim. • Limit four automotive tires per week. • Tires may be disposed of at the Central County Solid Waste Disposal Complex (standard disposal fees apply). • If your tires are not collected by 8 p.m. on your collection day, please contact Waste Management on the following business day to report it as a missed collection.

Re-Uz-It Shop

Items brought to the Chemical Collection Centers that are still in usable condition make up the inventory found in the Re-Uz-It Shop. Rather than pay a hazardous waste company to dispose of these products, the county opened the Re-Uz-It Shop to provide these products free of charge to county residents. Shoppers must show photo identification and must be at least 18 years of age. Sarasota County reserves the right to limit quantities. Located in the Chemical Collection Center at 8750 Bee Ridge Road, the Re-Uz-It Shop is open Monday-Saturday between 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The shop is closed on government recognized holidays. Inventory changes daily and typically includes items such as automotive products, cleaners, lawn and garden products, paint and pool chemicals.

The Central County Solid Waste Disposal Complex (CCSWDC) is centrally located withinSarasota County and accepts residential, municipal and commercial garbage from the unincorporated areas of Sarasota and from three municipalities (cities of North Port, Sarasota and Venice). Landfill operations are supported by the tipping fees collected for processing and/or disposal of materials received.

Sarasota County residents may take the following items to the landfill for disposal (standard landfill disposal rates apply):

• Lawnmowers, riding or push (batteries must be removed, and all fluids drained) • Oil drums (with holes drilled in them to show they are empty) • Scooters (batteries must be removed, and all fluids drained) • Televisions • Tires (on or off the rim) • VCR/DVD players • Yard waste

• Air conditioners (all types) • Asbestos* (friable or non-friable) • Boats and boat motors • Bulk or oversized waste • Campers and trailers • Construction and demolition materials • Furniture • Garbage and trash • Household appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, water heaters, stoves, microwaves; doors must be removed)

For safety reasons, many of the items listed in the Household Hazardous Waste section of this guide cannot be disposed of in the landfill. They should be taken to one of Sarasota County’s Chemical Collection Centers for disposal.

Citizens’ Convenience Center Located just inside the gates of the Central County Solid Waste Disposal Complex, the Citizens’ Convenience Center provides a one-stop drop off location for residents to dispose of household hazardous waste, recycling materials and garbage. Disposal rates may apply to some items.

*Advance notice required.

Serenoa Lakes Community Association (SLCA)