SARASOTA, FL — Sarasota’s Public Works Department is gearing up to collect residential yard waste starting early next month. Before collection begins, officials want to make sure residents know what it takes to make sure their yard waste gets hauled away from the curb.
“We want residents to know they will see different work crews in different trucks collecting yard waste in neighborhoods,” Todd Kucharski, Public Works general manager, said in a statement. “We also want to remind everyone that yard waste is defined as landscape plant material that includes tree branches, palm fronds, leaves, plant clippings, grass clippings etcetera. It does not include tree stumps, brick/concrete pavers, dirt or soil, lawn furniture, pots, household waste or recycle materials.”
Residential garbage customers will face no additional fees for yard waste pick up, the city noted in an email to media. There is a caveat though: waste must be properly prepared. To help residents make sure their yard waste is picked up, the city offers the following tips:
- Put yard waste at the curb – not on the street – before 7 a.m. on collection days.
- Make sure to keep a distance of at least 5 feet from mailboxes, streetlights, signs, water meters and fire hydrants.
- Do not put yard waste in the same containers as household trash or recyclables.
- Yard waste should be put in a separate container or bundled into 4-foot lengths or less.
- Bundles may not weigh more than 50 pounds.
Residents who require special pickup for piles heavier than $50 are asked to call 800-477-0854. There is a minimum fee of $26.24 for such an arrangement.
The city also reminds that no garbage or recycling services will be available on Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. People who normally have pickup service on Monday will have their trash picked up on Tuesday. Tuesday service will be provided on Wednesday.