Contact 311 to make a report or for more information, at mymanatee.org/311 or call 311.
For utilities inquiries, email CSS@mymanatee.org.
Yard Waste Disposal Guidelines
Bag It
- Use sturdy garbage bags for yard waste.
Bundle It
- If not using garbage cans, bundle yard waste.
- Bundles must be 4 feet or shorter in length.
- Branches must be 6 inches or smaller in diameter.
- Any branch larger than 6 inches must be cut in half lengthwise, tied, and bundled.
- Use heavy-duty string to tie bundles.
Can It
- Use a 32-gallon garbage can (not a recycling cart).
- Yard waste must not extend above the top of the can.
- Bundles, bags, or cans must not exceed 50 pounds each.
- Properly prepared yard waste is picked up every Wednesday (except during holiday schedule adjustments).
Bring It
- You may take yard waste to the landfill for a fee.
Free Annual Pickup
- Each residential address in unincorporated Manatee County gets one free special pickup per year (Oct. 1 - Sept. 30).
- This includes:
- More than two large items
- Excess yard waste (too much to bundle)
- E-scrap and white goods
- Pickup limit: 60 cubic yards (L 40' x W 8' x H 6').
Extra Yard Waste Removal
- No limit on yard waste if properly bundled nor canned.
- Large amounts of loose yard waste require an "Extraordinary Service" pickup.
- Fee will be added to your utility bill.
- Residents may also transport yard waste to Lena Road Landfill themselves.
Curbside Material Separation
- Garbage, recycling, and yard waste must be kept separate at the curb. Each category must be a minimum of three feet from each other.
- For free annual or large pickups, materials must be properly sorted for collection.
Pick up of Recycling Materials
You can schedule a pickup on your CSS account at mymanatee.org/css.
For more information email Utilities Customer Service at CSS@mymanatee.org or call Manatee County Utilities Customer Service at (941) 792-8811, or call 311.
Email Utilities Customer Service at CSS@mymanatee.org.
Yard waste is collected on Wednesdays for all unincorporated Manatee County residents. For more information about how to properly dispose of yard waste, click here.
Waste Wizard: Garbage or Recycling?
Manatee County uses a single-cart system for all household recyclables, requiring no sorting. The "Recycle Right" campaign promotes proper recycling practices to help the community reach its 75% recycling goal.
"Recycle Right" is the national campaign initiative created to improve recycling education and awareness. It specifically details the right way to recycle and emphasizes what items can and can’t be recycled.
Plastic bags, Styrofoam, electronics, and hazardous waste are not accepted. Rinse all food and beverage containers before recycling.
Use our Waste Wizard tool by clicking here for more information!
When a holiday falls on your scheduled pickup day, garbage, recycling, and yard waste will be collected one day later for the rest of the week. Regular collection resumes the following Monday. The following are the 2025 holiday dates that may affect your schedule:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 20
- Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 19
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 27
- 4th of July: Thursday, July 4
- Labor Day: Monday, September 2
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 28
- Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25
Recycling Locations and Information
Recycling Cart Guidelines
- The recycling cart is for recyclables only.
- The cart must be placed three feet from the curb and all obstructions, including cars, mailboxes, and garbage cans.
- Position the cart with the arrow facing the street.
- The recycling cart must be at the curb by six a.m.
- Arrange materials loosely inside the cart. Items packed too tightly may not be emptied properly.