Polk County responds after uncollected trash complaints

LAKELAND (FOX 13) - Uncollected trash in Polk County has become a matter of public health.

According to Polk County Waste and Recycling officials, resident calls topped 6,000 last week for garbage, routine yard trash, bulk and recycle items. Callers reported items still present on the curb after Irma earlier this month.

County officials have coordinated with Advanced Disposal and FCC Environmental to service communities most affected by non-collection. These areas include: South Lakeland, Davenport, Poinciana, Haines City and Lake Wales.

“It is no longer about the non-performance of our current hauler, it is about the health and well-being of our County residents and their communities,” said Deputy County Manager, Bill Beasley in a press release.

Polk County residents should see curbside piles begin to dwindle in the areas most impacted by Hurricane Irma Monday.

Work is expected to begin in south Lakeland Monday morning. Residents must bag or put routine yard waste inside containers for collection until further notice.