Miami Beach's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles trash & recycling a little differently. In Miami Beach, Florida, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Recycling Requirements

Miami Beach requires single-stream recycling for all properties under Chapter 90, Section 90-340 of the city code. Recyclable materials include paper, glass, metal, and plastics #1-7. All multifamily and commercial properties must have accessible recycling programs. Contaminated recycling bins may be rejected.

Key details: Program Type: Single-stream recycling. Required For: All properties. Accepted Materials: Paper, glass, metal, plastics #1-7. No Plastic Bags: Materials must be loose. Code Section: Chapter 90, Section 90-340.

Properties failing to maintain required recycling programs face code enforcement action. Multifamily and commercial properties without accessible recycling may be fined under Section 90-347. Contaminating recycling with non-recyclable materials may result in service refusal and additional collection charges.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Miami Beach provides twice-weekly residential garbage collection through Waste Connections of Florida. Trash is collected from the rear or side yard of single-family homes. Garbage must be placed in approved containers with lids. Chapter 90 of the city code governs solid waste collection and disposal.

Key details: Pickup Frequency: Twice weekly. Provider: Waste Connections of Florida. Collection Point: Rear/side yard (single-family). Container Weight: 50 lbs maximum. Sanitation Division: (305) 673-7616.

Placing garbage out more than 24 hours before pickup, using unapproved containers, or failing to secure lids may result in code violations. Illegal dumping carries fines up to $500 per occurrence. Contaminating recycling bins with non-recyclable materials may result in service refusal. Contact Sanitation at (305) 673-7616.

Bulk Item Disposal

Miami Beach residents receive six free bulk waste pickups per year through Waste Connections of Florida. Bulk pickups must be scheduled by calling (786) 515-2726. Items should be placed at the curb no more than 24 hours before the scheduled date. Free monthly drop-off events are also available.

Key details: Free Pickups: 6 per year per residence. Schedule By Phone: (786) 515-2726. Curbside Timing: 24 hours before pickup max. Monthly Drop-Off: First weekend, 8AM-6PM. Appliances: Doors must be removed.

Placing bulk waste at the curb without scheduling pickup is a code violation. Leaving items curbside for more than 24 hours before pickup results in fines. Illegal dumping of bulk waste carries fines up to $500. Exceeding the six free pickups requires payment for additional service.

Bin Placement Rules

Miami Beach requires single-family residents to keep garbage containers in the rear or side yard, not visible from the street. Yard waste and bulk items may be placed at the curb no more than 24 hours before scheduled pickup. Containers must be returned to storage after collection.

Key details: Storage Location: Rear or side yard, not visible. Curbside Timing: No more than 24 hours before pickup. Return After Pickup: Required same day. Multifamily: Screened dumpster enclosures. Code Compliance: (305) 673-7555.

Leaving containers at the curb outside collection windows or visible from the street on non-collection days is a code violation. Fines may be assessed after warning. Dumpster enclosures not meeting screening requirements face zoning violations. Code Compliance can be reached at (305) 673-7555.

The Bottom Line

Miami Beach's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Miami Beach is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Miami Beach's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.