Trash & Recycling in North Miami, FL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in North Miami or are thinking about moving there, trash & recycling are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. North Miami has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of trash & recycling, and some of them might surprise you.

Recycling Requirements

North Miami provides single-stream curbside recycling collected once weekly. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastic containers #1-7, glass bottles, and aluminum/steel cans. Items must be clean and loose in the bin — no plastic bags. The city provides 96-gallon recycling carts at no charge.

Key details: Pickup Frequency: Once weekly. Cart Size: 96-gallon blue cart. Plastics Accepted: #1-7 containers. No Plastic Bags: Items must be loose. Request Cart: (305) 895-9830.

Contaminating recycling with non-accepted materials may result in the entire cart being collected as garbage. Repeated contamination may result in code enforcement notices. Failure to participate in the recycling program where service is provided may result in warnings. The city encourages recycling to meet Miami-Dade County waste diversion goals.

Bin Placement Rules

North Miami requires waste containers to be placed at the curb or swale by 7:00 AM on collection day and retrieved within 12 hours after collection. Containers must not obstruct sidewalks or block the right-of-way. Storage between collection days must be behind the front building line, out of public view.

Key details: Place Out By: 7:00 AM on collection day. Retrieve Within: 12 hours after collection. Storage Location: Behind front building line. Container Spacing: 3 feet apart minimum. Code Enforcement: (305) 895-9825.

Leaving containers at the curb beyond 12 hours after collection is a code violation. Containers stored in front yards visible from the street between collection days result in code enforcement notices. Blocking sidewalks or the right-of-way with waste containers may result in citations. Repeat violations face escalating fines.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

North Miami provides twice-weekly garbage collection and once-weekly recycling for residential properties. Waste must be placed in city-approved containers not exceeding 50 pounds. Collection begins at 7:00 AM on scheduled days. The city contracts solid waste services for single-family and multi-family residences.

Key details: Garbage Pickup: Twice weekly. Recycling Pickup: Once weekly. Weight Limit: 50 pounds per bag. Collection Start: 7:00 AM. Public Works: (305) 895-9830.

Placing waste out after collection has occurred results in waste remaining until the next scheduled pickup. Overloaded containers exceeding 50 pounds may not be collected. Placing hazardous materials in regular garbage is a violation of city and county regulations. Failure to use approved containers may result in non-collection and code enforcement notices.

Bulk Item Disposal

North Miami provides bulk item pickup for large household items on a scheduled basis. Residents must call Public Works to schedule pickup of furniture, appliances, and other oversized items. Construction debris requires separate hauling arrangements. Hazardous waste must go through Miami-Dade County programs.

Key details: Scheduling: Call (305) 895-9830. Appliances: Separate scheduling required. Construction Debris: Not accepted — private hauler. Tire Limit: 4 per pickup. Hazardous Waste: Miami-Dade County programs.

Placing bulk items at the curb without scheduling pickup is a code violation. Dumping construction debris in the swale or right-of-way results in fines and required removal at the property owner's expense. Illegal dumping of hazardous materials carries penalties under both city and county regulations. Leaving bulk items at the curb beyond the scheduled pickup date results in code enforcement action.

The Bottom Line

North Miami'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 North Miami is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects North Miami'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.