November 11, 2024 

Message from WM of Florida 

Dear City of Punta Gorda Resident:  Some residents of Punta Gorda may have received a recent invoice from WM (Waste Management) for recycling service that was incorrect.

Please disregard this invoice as it was in error.  If you have made a payment, a refund will be processed.

WM regrets this error and inconvenience.

 Dawn McCormick

Director, Communications & Government Affairs

WM of Florida

dmccormick@wm.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 CONTACT: Public Works

November 5, 2024                                         (941) 575-5050

  

MEDIA ADVISORY

Weekly scheduled trash and recycling routes have been restored. Press Release Debris Removal Hurricane Milton Update

The sanitation department has been collecting yard debris, and other Public Works divisions have assisted.

As of 11/3, they have collected 183 total tons of debris. This was in the 88 loads that were directly hauled to the disposal site.

We have (2) Clamshell trucks and (2) packer trucks being operated by the sanitation department 7 days a week.

On any given day we have either (3) packer trucks or (3) dump trucks along with a dump trailer being operated by canal maintenance and right-of-way staff 7 days a week. What trucks are being used is dictated by standard trash route schedules and available packer trucks.

The entire Public Works department recognizes the importance of expediting debris removal around the city and continues to work tirelessly to complete this monumental task. Once all residents are provided relief with the collection of large piles of debris, regular yard waste scheduled routes will be restored.

The contract haulers collect construction and demolition debris as well as vegetative debris. To date, they have collected 282 tons of vegetation and 8,876 cubic yards of C&D debris. They operate (2) truck box and trailer box claw trucks that run seven days a week.

For Public Works, it is all hands on deck and a real testament to the dedication our men and women have to serving the community.

 If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (941) 575-5050 during the hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mon. through Fri.

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 CONTACT: Public Works

October 23, 2024                                                                                  (941) 575-5050

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Regular residential yard waste services are canceled until further notice due to vehicle issues. Sanitation is working with the haulers to collect vegetative debris piles. Sanitation is using the two clamshell trucks to collect loose vegetative piles only at this time. Staff is working overtime and on their days off to collect the debris. Any vegetative debris must be removed from cans and plastic bags and placed in a separate pile to be collected (brown recycling bags are acceptable). Press Release Regular Yard Waste Services Canceled

Residents are encouraged to combine the yard waste and place the debris in larger piles along the right-of-way. Do not place vegetative debris piles in cul‐de‐sacs, near wires, poles, etc. Residents do not need to call for a special pick-up as the clamshell trucks are following behind the haulers.  

The supply of trash carts has depleted at an excessive rate. The city only has 32-gallon carts left at this time. Due to the excessive loss of trash carts, we are asking residents to report any rogue trash carts they might see by calling the Public Works Department at (941) 575-5050 during the hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mon. through Fri.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       CONTACT: Public Works

September 27, 2025                                                                     (941) 575-5050

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

Due to the excessive afternoon heat, the recycling collection within the City of Punta Gorda will temporarily be adjusting the recycling collection. Beginning on Tuesday, August 6, residents are asked to set their recycling containers curbside by 5 a.m. or the evening before the scheduled collection day. This allows staff to begin collecting the recycling one hour earlier than normal to avoid the afternoon heat.   

MEDIA ADVISORY

Due to the excessive afternoon heat, the City of Punta Gorda Sanitation Division is temporarily adjusting the garbage and yard waste collection. Beginning on Tuesday, July 30 residents are asked to set their trash and yard waste containers curbside by 5 a.m. or the evening before the scheduled collection day. This allows staff to begin collecting the trash and yard waste one hour earlier than normal to avoid the afternoon heat.   

 If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Public Works Department at (941) 575-5050 during the hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mon. through Fri.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments include the diversion of approximately 6,142 tons of recyclables from the waste stream annually.  These reductions enable the city to work towards the State Solid Waste Management guidelines.  Approximately 10,731 tons of refuse was transported to the Charlotte County Landfill. 

 The recycling contract is currently with Waste Management. The city curbside recycling program for residential units continues to be a “single stream” recycling program, doing away with the separation of the materials and using a 48-gallon cart for each residence.  The carts are serviced by automated vehicles.  Other materials have been added to the collection list.  Electronics such as TV’s, computers, VCR’s, monitors, etc. are collected.  In addition, the collection of tires, oil and car batteries are also included.

Verify your service area by clicking on this link below. Simply enter your home address. This allows you to determine if you are withing the collection boundaries of the City Limits. City boundaries are outlined in blue: https://agis.charlottecountyfl.gov/ccgis/

Trash Carts and Recycling carts should be placed by the curb the evening prior of collection dates or by 6:00 am the day to collection.

Construction Debris:  Construction Debris is NOT collected by the City of Punta Gorda and must be hauled away by the owner or contractor to the Charlotte County Landfill Charlotte County Landfill | Charlotte County, FL (charlottecountyfl.gov).

Construction and demolition debris waste including but not limited to, steel, glass, brick, concrete or clay or asphalt roofing material, pipe, gypsum wallboard, and lumber, resulting from the construction or destruction of a structure, and includes rocks, soils, sod, the tree remains and vegetative matter which results from land clearing or land development operations for a construction project.

Whole Tree Removals and Lot Clearing:  Whole Tree removal and lot clearing are NOT part of your regular service. The owner or contractor performing the work is responsible for the clean-up and removal of the lot clearing and responsible to dispose of.  Charlotte County Landfill Charlotte County Landfill | Charlotte County, FL (charlottecountyfl.gov) is an option for the Homeowner or contractor preforming the work. 

Yard Waste Collection:  Each residential property is limited to no more than three (3) cans of yard waste not weighing more than thirty-five (35) pounds each. Each yard waste can must have a lid and handles. We encourage residents to purchase a toter with wheels, a lid, and a metal bar across the front that are compatible with the City refuse trucks from any local hardware store.

Limbs, branches, and similar yard waste must be less than four (4) feet in length and be tied with string or rope into bundles. No more than three (3) bundles of yard waste per property or paper bags and not weighing more than thirty-five pounds (35) each. Plastic bags are not allowed.

Bulk Yard Waste Collection:  Single-family residential properties must meet the following requirements: 

The yard waste must be at least 1 cubic yard (3’x3’x3’) or approximately two 96-gallon trash cans) and must not exceed 5 cubic yards (5’x5’x5’) for bulk pickup of vegetative yard waste. The pile must be placed on the right-of-way at the edge of the pavement, not the driveway or roadway. Please do not place piles near or under power lines or trees, utility boxes, mailboxes, fire hydrants, etc. 

Residents can request the special pick-up by calling the Public Works Department (941) 575-5050 or completing the online web request Schedule a Special Pick Up | City of Punta Gorda, FL (punta-gorda.fl.us)

Garbage:  Household trash is collected twice per week. All trash should be out to the curb by 6 a.m. on the day of collection to guarantee pickup. Materials placed out later than 6 a.m. will not be picked up until your next collection day.

Containers shall not exceed 32 gallons in size or 35 pounds in weight. The cans shall be made of metal or plastic, with sturdy handles and tight-fitting lids. 95-gallon carts are not acceptable.

Trash should be bagged inside the can to prevent any wind-blown litter during the collection process, or any leakage from wet garbage. It can also help keep animals out of your garbage. Multi-family units utilizing dumpster collections should keep the dumpster lids closed to prevent bags from being ripped open by birds or other animals.

Please keep any toys, bikes, grills, etc., away from your trash to avoid any collection mistakes.

Material NOT accepted for garbage:

• Tires
• Brush
• Rocks
• Dirt
• Construction & demolition debris
• Household hazardous wastes
• Flammable substances - All types of paint, stains, varnishes, oil, propane.
• Medical waste
• Sewage/Manure
• Yard waste
• Grass clippings
• Radioactive materials. 

Electronic Device Recycling Services:  Residents are allowed to place discarded electronics curbside for collection and proper disposal. These include, but are not limited to computers, monitors, printers, TVs, VCRs, and DVD players. They will be collected on Friday's only by Waste Management. A separate truck from recycling will collect the items.  An exception tag will be utilized to notify the resident if the item cannot be picked up on the same day. This requires a special pick-up request see below. 

Tires:  Car and street-size pickup truck tires (up to 25 inches in diameter) may be collected on your recycling day. You are allowed up to six (6) tires per year. Place the tires, with or without rims, at the curb on the recycling day. This requires a special pick-up request see below.

Waste Oil & Oil Filters:  Residents can place waste oil at the curb, as long as it is stored in a fully enclosed container. Use a self-contained container with a screw on lid for your used motor oil and a clear plastic bag for your used oil filters. Waste Pro’s recycling trucks will be equipped with a special compartment to transport waste oil containers. The orange color stickers are no longer necessary.  This requires a special pick-up request see below.

Batteries:  Non-leaking vehicle lead-acid batteries

Residents can request the special pick-up by calling the Public Works Department (941) 575-5050 or completing the online web request Sanitation | City of Punta Gorda, FL (punta-gorda.fl.us). 

 Appliances & White Goods:  White goods are washing machines, refrigerators, stoves, dryers, water heaters, and similar appliances. The appliances cannot be taken to the County Landfill along with other household trash. These items are taken to be recycled. The City handles the collection of these items, and we schedule special collections for appliances each week, on Fridays.

Residents can request the special pick-up by calling the Public Works Department (941) 575-5050 or completing the online web request Sanitation | City of Punta Gorda, FL (punta-gorda.fl.us). 

Moving Boxes:  The cardboard boxes must be emptied of all debris (plastic and Styrofoam is not allowed). The boxes must be broken down, flatten, and stacked roughly four feet from the recycling container.   

Residents can request the special pick-up by calling the Public Works Department (941) 575-5050 or completing the online web request Sanitation | City of Punta Gorda, FL (punta-gorda.fl.us). 

Recycling:   Recycling is collected once per week. Waste Management is contracted by the City for curbside recycling collection. They use the “single stream” method of collection. This means all recyclable materials may be combined in your container. Please put only the following materials into the recycling collection containers: Newspapers, magazines, office paper (no shredded paper), brown paper bags, paperboard cartons, dairy and juice containers, junk mail, phone books, flattened cardboard, plastic bottles (LEAVE THE CAP ON) and containers, glass bottles and jars, aluminum cans, and tin or steel cans. 

All materials may be placed in the same container. For curbside recycling, please keep the cardboard measuring no larger than 4’ x 4’ pieces. Recycle collection schedule maps are available 636625793414600000 (punta-gorda.fl.us). 

The following materials are not permitted to be placed into recycling bins: liquids, food, waste, fabric, wood, and Styrofoam. Please DO NOT include plastic bags in your recycling. The bags can get tangled in the machinery at the sorting facility and shut down the operation until the bags are removed manually. 

MID-COUNTY MINI-TRANSFER & RECYCLING FACILITY:  This is a FREE facility for use by Charlotte County Residents. Proof of residency is required – a valid driver’s license, utility or tax bill will be accepted. A Post Office Box address will not be accepted. It is located at 19675 Kenilworth Blvd in Murdock (Port Charlotte). It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All unloading must be completed by 4 p.m., no exceptions. For more information on this facility, or a complete list of items accepted, please call the Charlotte County Solid Waste Services at (941) 764-4360 or visit Charlotte County, FL (charlottecountyfl.gov).

Reuse Store:  CARE (Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies) sells discarded useable household items. Donate to CARE, rather than discard, and the sales proceeds help victims in Charlotte County. Chemical Reuse Shop: Take home anything from motor oil to furniture polish to house paint for FREE. Residents must sign a waiver of liability to receive the products. From Punta Gorda: Drive 41 North to Cochran Blvd. Turn right onto Cochran, continuing past Home Depot. Continue on Cochran Blvd. across Veteran’s Blvd. to Kenilworth Blvd. Turn right on Kenilworth to the Mini Transfer Station.