Curbside collection days changing Oct. 5 for many households

Published on September 24, 2026

Beginning Monday, Oct. 5, approximately 65% of Gainesville households will have a new curbside collection day as the City of Gainesville transitions to a new residential solid waste collection contract.

GFL Environmental, the city’s solid waste collection provider, will maintain the current three-day schedule during the week of Sept. 28, with no changes to Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday collection days next week. The new five-day collection schedule will begin on Monday, Oct. 5.

This means that starting on Monday, Oct. 5, many households across the city will need to put their carts and other waste at the curb on a different day of the week. Garbage, recycling, yard waste and bulk items will all be collected on the same designated day for each address, and materials should be at the curb by 7 a.m.

For confirmation of their newly assigned collection day, neighbors can visit the city’s Garbage Day Lookup Map online and enter their address or call the Solid Waste Division of Public Works at 352-334-2330.

“With nearly two-thirds of Gainesville households receiving a new collection day, the most important thing neighbors can do is check their schedule now and make note of the change,” said Interim Chief Operating Officer Brian Singleton. “We want everyone to be ready when the new routes begin on Monday, Oct. 5.”

The city also is notifying affected households through mailers, email and yard signs identifying their new collection day.

Solid waste billing changes

The way neighbors pay for solid waste service also is changing. Beginning Oct. 1, solid waste collection charges will move from monthly Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) bills to a solid waste special assessment on the non-ad valorem property tax bill. This is separate from the new collection contract and is not the reason collection days are changing.

To give low-income and senior homeowners more time to seek special assessment reductions, the city has extended its Hardship Assistance Program through Sept. 30, 2026. Those who think they may qualify are asked to contact the City of Gainesville’s Revenues & Receivables Office at 352-334-5024 or citybc@GainesvilleFL.gov.

Garbage cart changes

Updated procedures for changing garbage cart sizes are effective immediately. Because solid waste is now billed through the non-ad valorem property tax assessment, only homeowners — as the responsible payers — may request a cart-size change. Each property is limited to one change per year.

Recycling remains included with residential service, and recycling bins may be requested at any time.

Neighbors can visit GainesvilleFL.gov/recycle for the most up-to-date information.

Yard waste changes

The new collection contract also includes a change to yard waste collection. Homes are now limited to six cubic yards of yard waste per week. That is roughly equivalent to two full pickup truck beds (or about the size of a compact car). Yard waste should be bundled in small, three-foot piles that can be collected in one motion by a person. Loose leaves and small twigs should be placed in paper bags or reusable containers.

More information about curbside collection services and the schedule changes that begin on Oct. are available at GainesvilleFL.gov/recycle.