Oompa Loompa sized can means more hauling.
Yard Waste Update in Indian River County: Smaller Carts, Bigger Headaches
If you live in Indian River County, you’ve probably noticed a few changes since October 1st when Waste Management (WM) updated its collection services. And if your yard looks a little more like a tropical jungle lately, you’re not alone—the biggest change has been lawn debris pickup.
Each home now has a 95-gallon brown yard waste cart with an orange lid for weekly pickup. It’s neat and color-coordinated… but let’s be honest, it’s not exactly built for palm trees. Those of us who were used to stacking our clippings and branches by the curb for easy pickup? Unfortunately, that’s no longer an option.
Now, anything that doesn’t fit in your cart is officially your responsibility to remove.
What to Do With Bulk Yard Waste
If you’ve got branches, palms, or debris too large for the cart, here’s what you can do:
Self-haul to the Indian River County Landfill.
Drop off smaller debris (under 3 inches in diameter) at one of the five Indian River County Convenience Centers.
Hire a private contractor for yard cleanup.
Or, call WM at 772-569-1776 to schedule a bulk pickup for $25 per cubic yard.
We recently made our own run to the Winter Beach Recycling Center off US1 & 65th St (there’s also one at Roseland Blvd & 130th St). The process was easy enough—pull up, unload, and they even have tools like rakes and brooms to help. Still, it’s not exactly how we planned to spend a Saturday morning.
For elderly residents, homeowners on fixed budgets, or those without a truck, this new setup could be challenging. What used to be part of regular service now requires a little more muscle and planning.
So, a few friendly tips from the team at Brick & Tide Home Group:
Plan ahead for seasonal cleanups.
Team up with neighbors or family if hauling isn’t an option.
Budget a little extra for lawn crews or debris removal services.
Change isn’t always fun, but we’re all adapting together—one palm frond at a time.
You can find more on Waste Management’s website: By clicking HERE.