Polk County Solid Waste Northeast L...Polk County Solid Waste Northe...

Polk County Solid Waste Northeast Landfill Customer Convenience Center Pilot Program to Close on Dec. 31, 2026

Published: November 5, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2026) - The Northeast Landfill Customer Convenience Center Pilot Program, located at 4001 Bannon Island Road in Haines City, will be ceasing operation at the end of the year. The customer convenience center will maintain regular hours and its current fee schedule until 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31.

The pilot program, which began on June 1, 2026, will cease operation ahead of its one-year projected time frame. The goal of the program was to reduce instances of illegal dumping and provide an alternative drop-off location for residents in northeast Polk County.

"We launched this pilot to give residents an affordable, convenient option to drop off bulk trash and cut down on illegal dumping," Polk County Solid Waste Director Brian Cogswell told the Board of County Commissioners. "The numbers show that illegal dumping in this area climbed, while the site itself saw low residential turnout. Closing the location early prevents further tax dollar losses and lets us redirect our equipment and cleanup crews to where they make a real impact."

Because of the increase in illegal dumping and the cost of operating the pilot program, the Board unanimously voted to end the program earlier than originally planned. "I pushed hard for this drop-off site because illegal dumping is a serious issue in the northeast area, so the data is disappointing to see," Commissioner Martha Santiago commented. "At the end of the day, we cannot keep spending taxpayer money on a project that isn't solving the problem. I ask our residents to partner with us, use their regular curbside collection and help keep our county clean."

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2027, residents who wish to drop off bulk items and tires must visit the North Central Transfer Station, located at 3131 K-Ville Ave. in Auburndale.

For more information on the Northeast Customer Convenience Center Pilot Program and the North Central Transfer station, visit

https://www.polkfl.gov/services/polk-county-solid-waste/landfill/.