In an effort to help Polk County residents dispose of yard waste from the recent cold snap without waiting for their regular yard waste pickup day, Polk County Commissioners have approved a flat fee of $10 per load at the North Central Transfer Station.
County residents must take the yard waste to the North Central Transfer Station, located at 3131 K-Ville Ave., Auburndale.
The reduced fee is available from Wednesday, March 4, to Monday, May 4, 2026.
There are certain requirements:
- Residents must show a valid Florida driver’s license with a Polk County address or proof of residency (via a utility bill or other acceptable document).
- Yard waste can be delivered in anything from a pickup truck to a 20-foot trailer.
- It is recommended that loads be covered with a tarp to keep the material secured.
- Dump trailers are not allowed.
- Commercial and small business haulers are not eligible for the flat fee.
“If they want to self-haul [the yard waste] and bring it to us, we can offer the discounted fee of $10 per load,” said Solid Waste Director Brian Cogswell. “There is no weight limit; they can load it up. We have the capacity, and this will help us reduce the amount that needs to be picked up curbside.”
County residents also still have the option of placing yard waste at curbside for regular pickup. Currently, Polk County Solid Waste residential collection customers are allowed four bags of yard waste per weekly pickup.
“We would prefer that they not put them all out at the same time, but if there are some bags the contractors cannot pick up on that trip, they will get them the next time,” Cogswell said. “There is only so much room in the trucks.”
Cogswell added that contractors are also being asked to tag any excessive yard waste bags to let residents know they will return to pick up additional bags the following week.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY GOVERNMENT
