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Manatee County, FL - Manatee County residents are adjusting to a new trash collection system that includes larger 96-gallon bins and a shift to weekly curbside pickup for trash, recycling, and yard waste.
The changes were rolled out over the summer to help residents prepare for the updated schedule.
County officials say consolidating collection to one day each week is intended to reduce truck traffic in neighborhoods, improve efficiency, and lower operational costs for the county.
Patrick Shea, Manatee County Utilities Director, explained that residents should place all trash, recycling, and yard waste at the curb on the designated day to ensure timely pickup.
“This approach follows the industry standard used across the country,” Shea told WFLA, noting that it is the most economical way to manage collection for the county’s 160,000 accounts.
Weekly pickups are designed to streamline operations while maintaining reliable service for residents and waste contractors.
Residents who find the 96-gallon bins too large will soon have the option to exchange them for smaller containers.
Those who need additional capacity can request an extra bin for a monthly fee of $13.
Officials encourage residents to plan accordingly to avoid missed pickups or excess waste accumulation.
The county emphasizes that these changes aim to create a consistent, efficient system while meeting the needs of households of varying sizes.
Residents are advised to place all materials at the curb on their designated day and to make any necessary adjustments to bin size or quantity through official county channels.