Recently, the City’s Solid Waste Collection crews have seen an abundance of overflow trash on the ground and on top of the trashcan on trash collection days. This includes excess bags, boxes, and loose litter. Please note that overflow garbage outside of a City of Winter Garden-issued trashcan cannot be picked up. In addition, noncity-issued trashcans of garbage cannot be emptied.

Garbage is collected using a truck with automated arms fitted to pick up and empty City-issued trashcans only. The automated system reduces litter and keeps drivers free from injury. Drivers do not get out of the truck to pick up trash. Garbage that is not in a trashcan is not only unsightly litter, but also a code violation. However, there are ways to consolidate trash to fit more in your trashcan:

TIPS on How to Fit More Inside Your Trashcan

• Flatten Cardboard and Don’t Put LARGE Cardboard in Your Trashcan. Break down cardboard boxes by folding them flat to significantly reduce their volume inside the can. Cardboard that is too large and oversized to fit inside the trashcan can be placed curbside on your designated bulk collection day for pickup; however, be sure to flatten and place in a pile that is separate from yard waste. (All small cardboard boxes such as cereal/snack/shoe boxes, etc. should always go in the trashcan as bulk pickup is for large bulk items only.) 
• Crush Plastic Containers and Drink Cans. Squash plastic bottles and containers as well as drink cans to maximize space in your trashcan. 
• Compost Food Scraps. Compost food scraps to reduce the amount of organic waste going into your regular trash. 
• Tightly Tie Trash Bags. Ensure your trash bags are securely tied to prevent them from taking up extra space and spilling contents. 
• Layer Different Trash Types. Place heavier items at the bottom of the can and fill in gaps with lighter, crushable materials. 
• Reduce Waste at the Source. Minimize generating waste by choosing products with minimal packaging and opting for reusable items. Remember, REDUCE and REUSE is environmentally friendly!

If after practicing these tips, you still find that your household is producing more garbage than will fit inside your trashcan on collection day, save the overflow bags for your next collection that will be just a few days later. Another option is to request a second city-issued trashcan for an additional disposal fee of $24.32 per month added to your utility bill.

As a reminder, bags of yard waste are allowed at the curb on your yard waste collection day ONLY so do not place curbside until the night before or the morning of your yard waste collection day.

For questions or to order a second trashcan, call 407.656.2256. Thank you for helping to keep your neighborhood neat and clean.