Waste Services

Escambia County, Florida, offers a range of waste management services designed to keep the community clean, safe, and environmentally friendly. Whether you are a resident, business owner, or involved in commercial waste handling, Escambia County’s Waste Services Department provides efficient, reliable, and sustainable solutions. This article will delve into the various waste services available to Escambia County residents and businesses, including landfill operations, recycling programs, household hazardous waste disposal, and more. We will explore each service in detail to help you understand the options available for managing waste in your area.

Overview of Escambia County Waste Services

Escambia County’s Waste Services Department is committed to providing environmentally responsible and cost-effective waste management solutions. The department operates without relying on county tax dollars, instead using fees collected from waste disposal and related services to fund its operations. This ensures that waste management services in Escambia County remain both financially sustainable and environmentally sound.

Waste Services Divisions

The Waste Services Department in Escambia County is organized into several divisions that each focus on different aspects of waste management. These divisions work together to ensure that waste is disposed of safely, efficiently, and in compliance with state regulations.

Waste Services Administration: This division oversees the overall operations, ensuring compliance with all financial regulations and managing the enterprise fund. It is also responsible for customer account management, particularly for commercial waste services.

Landfill Operations: The landfill operations team manages the Perdido Landfill, ensuring that waste is disposed of in a manner that is safe and sustainable. The team follows strict guidelines to manage solid waste, yard trash, and other materials.

Engineering and Compliance: This division is focused on ensuring that all waste services comply with environmental regulations. It monitors air, gas, and groundwater conditions at the landfills and other disposal sites, ensuring the protection of public health and the environment.

Programs Division: The programs division manages recycling initiatives, hazardous waste disposal, and community clean-up events. It is also responsible for various educational campaigns and providing resources to residents and businesses to encourage sustainable waste management practices.

Perdido Landfill: An Essential Waste Disposal Facility

One of the primary waste disposal facilities in Escambia County is the Perdido Landfill, located in Cantonment. The landfill plays a vital role in managing waste for the community, processing more than 300,000 tons of waste annually. The facility is equipped with advanced technologies to manage the waste in an environmentally responsible way, ensuring that local air and water quality are not compromised.

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Residential customers with large loads that require manual unloading must arrive at least 30 minutes before closing.

The Perdido Landfill accepts a variety of waste types, including:

Solid Waste: Household waste, yard debris, and other non-hazardous materials.

Tires: Special handling fees apply for tires, with a separate fee for larger tires.

Special Waste: Items such as asbestos, white goods (appliances), and other non-standard waste are subject to special disposal procedures.

The landfill is equipped with large machinery to compact and manage waste, and a daily layer of dirt or mulch is applied over the waste to minimize odor and control litter.

For more detailed information about the landfill's services, visit the Perdido Landfill page.

Oak Grove Citizens’ Convenience Center: Convenient Access for Local Residents

The Oak Grove Citizens' Convenience Center is another essential facility for waste disposal in Escambia County. Located in the northern part of the county, it provides a convenient drop-off location for residents to dispose of household waste.

Hours of Operation

Friday and Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Oak Grove center accepts up to five cubic yards of waste per customer per day, offering a cost-effective option for local residents. However, the center does not accept tires, and certain fees apply for specific waste types.

For more details about the Oak Grove Citizens’ Convenience Center, visit the Oak Grove page.

Recycling in Escambia County

Recycling is a critical component of waste management in Escambia County, and the county offers several recycling programs to make it easy for residents and businesses to participate in sustainable waste disposal practices.

Curbside Recycling

For residents within the City of Pensacola, curbside recycling services are available. Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) also provides curbside recycling services to residents in the unincorporated areas of Escambia County. These programs help ensure that recyclable materials are diverted from the landfill, reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal.

Drop-Off Locations

Escambia County provides several drop-off locations for recyclables throughout the county. These centers accept materials such as glass, aluminum, plastic (types 1-2), cardboard, and newspapers. The drop-off centers help to reduce waste and encourage community participation in recycling efforts.

Key recycling drop-off centers include:

Oak Grove Convenience Center (745 County Road 99, McDavid)
Palafox Transfer Station (2906 N. Palafox St., Pensacola)
Perdido Landfill (13009 Beulah Road, Cantonment)

For a complete list of recyclable materials and further information on recycling programs, visit the Recycling page.

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

Escambia County provides free disposal of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) for residents. HHW includes items such as paints, motor oils, cleaning products, and other chemicals that can be harmful to the environment if disposed of improperly.

Accepted Materials for HHW Disposal

Paint and paint products (up to 10 gallons)
Gasoline (up to 10 gallons)
Household chemicals (up to 5 gallons)
Used motor oil (up to 5 gallons)
Fluorescent bulbs (up to 10)
E-waste (electronics) and batteries

HHW can be dropped off at the Perdido Landfill or the Oak Grove Citizens' Convenience Center during designated hours. For more information, visit the Household Hazardous Waste page.

Special Programs and Initiatives

Escambia County's Waste Services Department also runs several initiatives to promote environmental responsibility and community engagement.

Neighborhood Cleanups

The Neighborhood Cleanups program is a collaborative initiative between the Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency and various local agencies, including Escambia County Waste Services. The program focuses on cleaning up specific neighborhoods throughout the year, removing large waste items that are not typically collected through regular waste services.

To find out more about neighborhood cleanup events and their schedules, visit the Neighborhood Cleanups page.

Reblended Paint Program

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the Waste Services Department offers a Reblended Paint Program. Latex paint collected from residents is screened, re-blended, and then offered free of charge to the public in exchange for a clean, new five-gallon bucket. The paint is available on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Perdido Landfill.

For more details about the free paint pickup program, visit the Reblended Paint Program page.

Waste Service Providers

In Escambia County, residential waste services are provided by different providers depending on the area. These services include curbside collection of trash, recycling, and yard waste. Providers include:

Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) for unincorporated areas
City of Pensacola for residents within the city
Town of Century for residents within the town

Each provider has specific guidelines and schedules for waste collection. For more information on residential waste service providers, visit the Residential Waste Service Providers page.

Waste Services Contact Information

For more information or inquiries about waste services in Escambia County, you can contact the relevant departments directly:

Escambia County Waste Services
Phone: 850-937-2160
Email: wasteservices@myescambia.com

Perdido Landfill
Phone: 850-937-2160
Email: wasteservices@myescambia.com

Oak Grove Citizens Convenience Center
Phone: 850-937-2160
Email: wasteservices@myescambia.com

Residential Waste Service Providers (ECUA)
Phone: 850-476-0480
Email: customerservice@ecua.fl.gov

Residential Waste Service Providers (City of Pensacola)
Phone: 850-435-1890
Email: publicworks@cityofpensacola.com

Neighborhood Cleanup Program
Phone: 850-595-3130
Email: neighborhoods@myescambia.com

By leveraging these resources, Escambia County residents can easily manage their waste disposal and recycling needs while contributing to the county's sustainability efforts.

Escambia County Waste Services FAQs

What Types of Waste Can Be Disposed of at Perdido Landfill?

The Perdido Landfill in Escambia County accepts a variety of waste types, including household waste, yard trash, and special waste. Special items like appliances, tires, and asbestos require specific handling procedures and may incur additional fees. The landfill operates Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. To avoid delays, customers with large loads requiring manual unloading must arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. For more information, visit the Perdido Landfill page.

How Do I Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste in Escambia County?

Escambia County residents can drop off Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) for free at either the Perdido Landfill or the Oak Grove Citizens’ Convenience Center. Accepted items include paints, motor oils, gasoline, household chemicals, fluorescent bulbs, e-waste, and batteries. The Perdido Landfill is open for HHW disposal Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, while Oak Grove accepts HHW on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. For a list of acceptable materials, visit the Household Hazardous Waste page.

Where Can I Drop Off Recyclables in Escambia County?

Escambia County provides several drop-off locations for recyclables throughout the area. Materials accepted include glass, aluminum, plastics (types 1-2), cardboard, and newspapers. Notable drop-off locations include the Oak Grove Convenience Center, Perdido Landfill, and the Palafox Transfer Station. For more details on what can be recycled and where, check the Recycling page.

What Are the Operating Hours for the Oak Grove Citizens' Convenience Center?

The Oak Grove Citizens' Convenience Center is open Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It allows residents to dispose of up to five cubic yards of waste per visit, excluding tires. This center offers a convenient option for local waste disposal without the need to travel to the Perdido Landfill. For additional details, visit the Oak Grove Citizens Convenience Center page.

How Can I Participate in the Reblended Paint Program?

Escambia County offers a Reblended Paint Program where residents can pick up free latex paint on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Perdido Landfill. The paint, available in various colors, is re-blended from unused latex paints collected from the community. To participate, residents must bring a clean five-gallon bucket to exchange for paint. The program runs from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM or until supplies last. For more details, check out the Reblended Paint Program.