St. Johns County Solid Waste Division
The Curbside Times
June 2026 Newsletter
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The Solid Waste Division is dedicated to delivering sustainable services to meet the community's ever-changing solid waste management needs. With weekly curbside collections for over 120,000 residential units, we take pride in serving our community and providing the high-quality and timely services that every resident deserves. | | | | At-the-Curb News & Resources | |
Hurricane Season Begins June 1
Resources for SJC Residents
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June 1 marked the beginning of hurricane season. It is important to make sure you are prepared in advance. Below are some resources for SJC residents:
Also, make sure to Follow the Official St. Johns County and SJC Emergency Management Facebook pages for real-time updates before, during, and after a storm.
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Welcome Mark Blocker to Public Works
Please join us in welcoming Mark Blocker to the St. Johns County Public Works team as the new Solid Waste Manager. Mark brings more than 30 years of experience in the solid waste industry and a strong background in operational leadership.
Mark’s career began right here in St. Johns County as a driver and helper for BFI. Through years of hard work and dedication, he advanced into leadership roles with Advanced Disposal and Waste Management, overseeing refuse hauling, transfer station, and landfill operations across multiple states.
With his extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience, Mark will play an important role in supporting the County’s solid waste operations and continuing to provide reliable service to residents. We are excited to welcome him to the team and look forward to the experience and leadership he brings to St. Johns County Public Works.
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A Recycling Driver Who Makes a Difference
Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness leave the biggest impact. Recently, a St. Johns County family shared a heartfelt story about FCC Environmental Services recycling driver Ben Smith and the special connection he has built with their two-year-old son, Colton. An avid fan of recycling trucks, Colton eagerly awaits each Monday for Ben's arrival. Over the past year, Ben has consistently taken a few moments from his route to greet and talk with Colton, creating a weekly highlight the family cherishes. These short conversations don’t only make his day, but they make his entire week.
According to Colton's parents, Ben's kindness and patience have made such an impression that one of Colton's first phrases was "Hi Ben!" They expressed he has an entire fleet of toy trash and recycling trucks scattered throughout the house and even dressed as a recycling truck for Halloween. The family's story serves as a reminder that exceptional customer service extends beyond collecting waste and recycling—it’s about building positive relationships within our community.
Their family further conveyed “Ben’s kindness, patience, and genuine care for our son exemplify the very best in customer service. He is everything you could ever want in an employee, and FCC Environmental Services should be incredibly proud to have him on their team. His small acts of kindness have created a lasting, positive memory for our family that we will cherish for years to come. Thank you again for the wonderful service you provide and for employing someone as exceptional as Ben.” – Alan, Nicole, and Colton Simonian
As Waste & Recycling Workers Week approaches, we would like to recognize Ben for his dedication, compassion, and the positive impact he has made on our residents. We also extend our sincere appreciation to all of the hardworking men and women who provide waste and recycling collection services for their ongoing dedication to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient service to our community each and every day.
| | | Longer Days Mean More Time for Yard Work | | With longer daylight hours and warmer weather, many residents are spending more time outdoors tackling landscaping projects, trimming trees, mowing lawns, and sprucing up their yards. As yard waste volumes increase throughout the spring and summer months, residents can help ensure timely collection service by following a few simple guidelines: | | Summer Safety Reminder: Proper Lithium Battery Disposal | | |
As temperatures rise during the summer months, so does the fire risk associated with improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries. Items such as rechargeable batteries, cell phones, laptops, power tools, e-cigarettes, and other electronic devices can spark dangerous fires if placed in household garbage or recycling carts.
To help protect collection workers, transfer stations, recycling facilities, and the community, residents are reminded to never place lithium batteries in curbside garbage or recycling containers. Instead, tape battery terminals and take batteries to an approved drop-off location for proper disposal.
Residents can safely dispose of lithium batteries at the Tillman Ridge and Stratton Road Transfer Stations during normal operating hours. Proper disposal helps reduce fire risks, protects employees and equipment, and keeps our community safe.
You can also use the Recycle Coach tool for additional disposal guidance and recycling information.
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Honoring Flag Day with the American Flag Rescue Program
Flag Day, observed each year on June 14, commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States by the Continental Congress in 1777. More than a century later, the first official Flag Day celebration took place in Wisconsin in 1885, and in 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress officially recognizing Flag Day nationwide.
In recognition of Flag Day, St. Johns County encourages residents to learn more about the American Flag Rescue Program, founded in 2019 by Christopher Benjamin. The program provides residents with the opportunity to properly retire worn or damaged American flags with honor and respect.
Residents can access reusable American flags through the program and may also properly dispose of retired flags at one of more than 35 American Flag Drop Boxes located throughout St. Johns County.
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Waste & Recycling Workers Week
June 15-21
St. Johns County is proud to recognize Waste & Recycling Workers Week from June 15–21, honoring the hardworking men and women who help keep our community clean, safe, and environmentally responsible every day.
From collecting household garbage and recycling to operating transfer stations and supporting disposal operations behind the scenes, these dedicated professionals provide essential services that residents rely on year-round. Their work helps protect public health, maintain clean neighborhoods, and support the County’s environmental stewardship efforts.
This week, we encourage residents to join us in thanking the waste and recycling workers who serve our community with professionalism, dedication, and pride.
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Juneteenth
Non-emergency St. Johns County offices will be closed in observance of Juneteenth on Friday, June 19 They will resume regular business hours on Monday, June 22.
The Tillman Ridge and Stratton Road Transfer Station will remain open during regular operating hours, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Curbside collection for household garbage, recycling, and yard waste will not be affected.
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June 5 | World Environment Day
World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, serves as one of the largest global platforms for environmental awareness and action. This year’s theme, “Only One Earth,” highlights the importance of protecting natural resources and making sustainable choices that support a healthier future for our planet. Residents can participate by reducing single-use plastics, conserving water, recycling properly, planting trees, and supporting environmentally responsible practices in their daily lives.
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June 8 | World Oceans Day
World Oceans Day, celebrated each year on June 8, recognizes the vital role oceans play in supporting life on Earth. Oceans produce roughly half of the planet’s oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and provide food, recreation, and economic opportunities for millions of people worldwide. The observance also raises awareness about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems from pollution and environmental harm. In coastal communities like St. Johns County, protecting our waterways and beaches helps preserve these valuable natural resources for future generations.
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FCC Community Shredding Event
On May 16, the St. Johns County Solid Waste Division partnered with FCC Environmental Services and Shred-it to host a community shredding event at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library.
The event had a strong turnout and provided residents with a secure and convenient opportunity to safely dispose of sensitive documents while supporting recycling efforts within the community. By the end of the event, approximately 4,200 pounds of paper had been collected and shredded, filling roughly 15 collection totes.
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Turtletown USA 2026 Beach Cleanup
On May 16, St. Johns County welcomed more than 90 volunteers to the 23rd Annual Turtletown USA Beach Cleanup, where participants collected more than 600 pounds of litter and debris from local beaches.
Held each year in preparation for sea turtle nesting season, which runs from May 1 through October 31, the cleanup helps create a cleaner and safer coastal environment for nesting sea turtles and other wildlife. Over the past two decades, this community tradition has played an important role in protecting St. Johns County’s beaches and natural resources.
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Download the St. Johns County Recycle Coach App
Become a Better Recycler
Download the app or go to www.RecycleStJohns.com to get your curbside collection schedule, sign up for alerts, and quickly learn how to properly dispose of different waste materials.
Download the Recycle Coach App and become a better recycler today!
Apple App Store | Google Play
| | Top Material Searches on Recycle Coach Last Month | | |
Sod, dirt, rocks, large stumps, trunks and branches are not accepted as yard waste. Use as clean fill or bring them to a depot.
Organic mulch is acceptable for curbside collection. Mulch mixed with other materials or containing other items that are not considered organic, such as stone, dirt, rubber, flowerpots, are not eligible for curbside collection and need to be taken to a designated drop-off location such as Waste Pro or St. Marks.
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Donation or reuse is the preferred option for items in good condition. Alternatively, contact your waste hauler or bring items to a depot - please see Drop-off Locations for important details.
You can place large, bulky items out at the curb next to your regular garbage. This includes couches, sectionals, mattresses, household furniture, etc.
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Small branches, clippings, plants, fallen fruit, leaves and grass clippings are accepted curbside. No tree stumps, rocks, sod or dirt.
INCLUDE:
Solely organic material will be collected. Leaves, grass clippings, wood chips, pine or cedar bark, straw, twigs, and small pieces of yard waste bagged, bundled, tied, or in a garbage receptacle no larger than 32 gallons and 50 lbs.
Branches, shrubs, and stumps less than 6 ft. in length and lighter than 50 lbs. stacked in neat, manageable piles.
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Total Recycled
Collected Year-to-Date
12,095 tons
| Our goal at the Solid Waste Division is to divert as much waste as we can from the landfill. One of the best ways to do this is through our residential curbside recycling program. This Recycle Tracker shows how well we're doing in St. Johns County. | | |
Total Flags
Collected to date
27,443
| The American Flag Rescue Program provides residents with the opportunity to properly retire flags with honor and respect. American Flag Drop Boxes are available to the public in over 35 locations throughout St. Johns County. | | |
Total Litter
Collected Year-to-Date
10,864 pounds
| The St. Johns County Adopt-A-Road program provides an opportunity for residents, businesses, nonprofits, and community groups to adopt sections of county road and help remove litter and debris in an effort to keep St. Johns County beautiful | |
| | Get more St. Johns County news by receiving our e-newsletters. | Stay informed with accurate, timely information through a blend of community outreach initiatives by the Office of Public Affairs. | | | | | | |
