Understanding the landfill options around you is an important factor to consider when dealing with waste in West Palm Beach, FL. Find out where to take your trash, the operational hours for local waste facilities, and the types of waste permitted. Get a glimpse of West Palm Beach’s recycling services to help you make eco-friendly choices. This article will navigate you through the essentials of landfills in West Palm Beach, FL.

Key Takeaways

• The North County Landfill in West Palm Beach, FL, has a significant capacity for waste management. The North County Landfill accepts various waste types including Classes I and III, and remains operational through long hours six days a week to sustain the community’s disposal needs until at least 2053.
• West Palm Beach has actively pursued recycling, leading Florida with an 80% recycling rate in 2022. West Palm Beach’s recycling initiatives are supported by dedicated facilities, curbside collection, and environmental companies like Coastal Waste & Recycling that contribute to the conservation of resources.
• The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County provides options for proper hazardous waste disposal through dedicated drop-off locations and collection events. The Solid Waste Authority also maintains sustainability initiatives including the renewable energy facility, community programs, and advanced waste reduction technology.

West Palm Beach Landfill Overview

The North County Landfill, also known as the Palm Beach Renewable Energy Landfill, is the central landfill for West Palm Beach’s waste accumulation. With a capacity exceeding a whopping 50 million cubic yards, it promises to serve West Palm Beach well into the future, remaining operational until at least 2053. The landfill is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to the North County Landfill, Palm Beach County houses various other waste management facilities such as the Customer Convenience Drop-off Center and the Palm Beach County Landfill Operations and Maintenance Facility. These facilities collectively enhance waste disposal efficiency and responsibility in Palm Beach County.

North County Landfill

The North County Landfill spans over 330 acres and has a capacity of more than 50 million cubic yards. The landfill is divided into two sections: one for Class I waste and another for Class III waste. The Class III boasts a capacity of nine million cubic yards. The landfill is open six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, and operates from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on those days. This provides ample time for residents and businesses to dispose of their waste responsibly during the public Monday-to-Saturday schedule.

Waste Disposal at West Palm Beach Landfills

When you visit a landfill in West Palm Beach, it’s important to know that fees apply for waste disposal. These fees vary based on the type and mix of waste. If your load is mixed, for instance, trash and construction debris, or vegetation and trash, the charges are determined based on the most expensive item in the mix.

Keeping the surroundings of Solid Waste Authority facilities clean is a top priority. Therefore, here are some important guidelines to follow:

• Make sure to secure your loads properly to avoid any litter. Failure to do so may result in an additional fee for litter control.
• If you weigh out after the closing time, you won’t be able to complete your transaction on the same day.
• Any excess deposit over $5 will be refunded to you.

Types of Waste Accepted

Waste disposal at West Palm Beach landfills involves more than merely throwing trash away. There are designated categories and sections for various types of waste. Class I landfill areas, for example, accept waste that includes ash, residue from Renewable Energy Facilities, and general garbage that is regulated at the federal or state level.

Class III landfill areas are designated for the disposal of items such as furniture, construction debris, roofing materials, wood, carpet, and yard waste, but not medical waste. These areas also accept items like air conditioners, aluminum cans, appliances, and bicycles. Construction and demolition waste are accepted at transfer stations and must be taken either to the landfill or to a facility permitted by the Solid Waste Authority.

Prohibited Items

Despite the wide range of waste accepted at West Palm Beach landfills, there are certain items that are strictly prohibited. Old computers and other electronics, for instance, cannot be disposed of at the landfills. Hazardous or toxic waste, such as asbestos, explosives, and fireworks, are also not accepted. Latex paint is not accepted for disposal with regular trash if it’s in liquid form; however, empty, dry cans can be disposed of safely.

Recycling Options in West Palm Beach, FL

West Palm Beach encourages recycling and conserving natural resources in their disposal practices. The city offers a range of recycling options, provided by the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County since 1987. In 2022, Palm Beach County celebrated achieving the highest recycling rate in Florida, a stellar 80%.

One of the key contributions to this achievement comes from Coastal Waste & Recycling. They play a significant role in West Palm Beach’s environmental protection by diverting reusable materials from landfills to conserve resources.

Recycling Facilities

Numerous and dedicated recycling facilities are present in the city. They are instrumental in managing the city’s waste and encouraging recycling habits. For instance, recyclable items such as glass bottles and jars are accepted in the blue bin for recycling. Special pick-up services are also available for the disposal of non-blue bin items such as windows and mirrors, which can be scheduled for a fee.

Curbside Recycling

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County offers a dual-stream recycling program complemented by a weekly curbside collection service to facilitate easy participation. In this service, residents are required to use separate blue and yellow bins for different types of recyclables, following detailed instructions for correct disposal.

Residents must place their recycling containers at the curb by 6 a.m. on the scheduled pick-up day. If you have an excess of recyclables or your current bins are broken, you can request additional yellow or blue recycling containers.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

West Palm Beach classifies specific items as hazardous waste. These include aerosols that contain liquid, rechargeable and vehicle batteries, and certain light bulbs including compact fluorescent, fluorescent tubes, and LED bulbs. Hazardous materials such as motor oil, auto batteries, pesticides, and fluorescent light bulbs should be disposed of at designated collection sites or Home Chemical and Recycling drop-offs provided by the Solid Waste Authority in Palm Beach County.

Drop-off Locations

Transfer stations in West Palm Beach accept hazardous materials from residents on a daily basis. These include antifreeze, propane tanks, electronics, and used cooking oil. For operational hours, specific drop-off locations, and details on the types of materials accepted at Household Hazardous Waste collection events, residents should visit the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County’s website or contact them directly.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events

Designated Household Hazardous Waste collection sites are provided by Palm Beach County for residents to deposit hazardous materials. These services are free and do not require an appointment for hazardous waste drop-off. These collection sites accept various types of household hazardous waste, including other forms such as used motor oil, rechargeable batteries, propane tanks, and oil-based paint, among others.

Dumpster Rentals and Junk Removal Services

For large or difficult-to-manage waste, the city provides a handy alternative – bulk collection services. Whether you’re undertaking a major home renovation or simply doing some spring cleaning, these services can ease your proper disposal worries.

Dumpster Rental Options

Several dumpster rental companies operate in West Palm Beach, FL, offering a variety of services for waste disposal needs. Depending on the size and type of waste, residents and businesses can explore different dumpster rental options to find a service that fits their disposal needs.

Junk Removal Services

West Palm Beach is also home to prominent local junk removal services like Junk King and 1-800-GOT-JUNK. Junk King is known for their commitment to customer service with up-front pricing and advance arrival calls, while 1-800-GOT-JUNK offers same-day service and no-obligation price estimates. 

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

While waste management is essential, the environmental repercussions of such activities warrant consideration. To prevent leachate contamination of the water table, the North County Landfill in West Palm Beach employs an advanced liner system. Landfills, however, can ultimately have an impact on their surrounding areas, including generating strong unpleasant odors.

Landfill Gas to Energy Projects

West Palm Beach mitigates the environmental impact of its landfills notably through the Renewable Energy Facility 2 (REF 2). This state-of-the-art waste-to-energy plant processes over one million tons of municipal solid waste annually, converting post-recycled waste into energy. With the capacity to produce 100 megawatts of electricity, it powers approximately 45,000 homes and businesses. 

Waste Reduction Initiatives

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, beyond the facilities and infrastructure, has led local recycling initiatives since 1987, setting a benchmark in accessible and effective recycling services. Community programs such as Keep West Palm Beach Beautiful are dedicated to city beautification and reduction of litter and waste. Residents can also actively participate in community restoration through organized clean-up events. These initiatives not only help to reduce waste but also foster a culture of environmental consciousness and responsibility in the community.

Summary

Managing waste in West Palm Beach, FL, is more than simply throwing trash into a bin. It’s about understanding the types of waste, where and how they should be disposed of, and the recycling options available. It’s also about being conscious of the environmental impact of our waste and participating in initiatives that promote sustainability. Let’s continue to contribute to West Palm Beach’s commitment towards a cleaner, greener planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of waste are accepted at the North County Landfill?

The North County Landfill accepts a wide range of waste, including ash, residue from Renewable Energy Facilities, general garbage, furniture, construction debris, roofing materials, wood, carpet, and vegetative debris.

Are there any items that are prohibited from being disposed of at West Palm Beach landfills?

Yes, items like old computers, electronics, asbestos, explosives, and fireworks are prohibited from being disposed of at West Palm Beach landfills. 

What are the recycling options available in West Palm Beach, FL?

In West Palm Beach, FL, residents can access dedicated recycling facilities and a dual-stream recycling program with a weekly curbside collection service, all provided by the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County. 

Where can I dispose of hazardous waste in West Palm Beach, FL?

You can dispose of hazardous waste at designated collection sites or Home Chemical and Recycling drop-offs provided by the Solid Waste Authority in Palm Beach County. 

What are some of the waste reduction initiatives in West Palm Beach, FL?

West Palm Beach, FL has several waste reduction initiatives, including the efforts of the Solid Waste Authority, community programs like Keep West Palm Beach Beautiful, and organized clean-up events involving residents.