Trash & Recycling in Lee County, FL (2026)
6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Lee County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
In unincorporated Lee County, the franchised hauler collects garbage, trash, recyclables and horticulture waste once per week each, at the curb within six feet of the roadway. Bulky waste is picked up on request, not automatically.
Lee County Trash and Recycling Pickup Rules
Some RestrictionsLee County Code of Ordinances § 25-1921 (definitions), § 25-1938(1), § 25-1942(3)a
The contractor will provide "1-1-1" residential can collection service for residences of four (4) or less units. "1-1-1" residential can collection service shall consist of the following services: 1. One (1) unlimited quantity collection each week of garbage and trash as defined herein; 2. One (1) unlimited quantity collection each week of commingled recyclables... 3. One (1) unlimited quantity...
Bin Placement Rules
If you own a home in unincorporated Lee County you must supply approved receptacles big enough for all your household waste. A can may hold up to 40 gallons or 50 pounds and needs a tight-fitting lid.
Trash Can and Curbside Set-Out Rules in Lee County
Some RestrictionsCode of Ordinances §§ 25-1921, 25-1926(1), 25-1938(1), 25-1941 and 25-1942(3)a.
It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to provide approved receptacles as defined herein adequate and sufficient to contain all solid waste generated from (a) residence(s) in accordance with the provisions herein. The owner shall not maintain nor permit on the property, any unsanitary nuisance injurious to the public health, as further defined.
Bulk Item Disposal
Curbside service in the county's mandatory collection unit includes bulky waste with your regular garbage, plus a separate scheduled pickup of bulky waste, white goods and E-waste on request - unlimited, at no extra charge, within three working days.
Bulky Waste, White Goods and E-Waste Pickup in Lee County
Some RestrictionsLee County Code of Ordinances §§ 25-1921, 25-1925(1), 25-1938(1), 25-1942; § 23-96(1)
4. Pick-up of limited automobile tires with garbage collection; 5. Pick-up of bulky waste with garbage collection; and, 6. Special pick-up of other bulky waste, white goods, and e-waste to be arranged.
Recycling Requirements
Every business and multifamily property in unincorporated Lee County must run an on-site recycling program. Businesses recycle at least one material with collection at least every two weeks; multifamily collection is weekly. Homes get weekly commingled recycling.
Mandatory Recycling in Unincorporated Lee County
Some RestrictionsLee County Code of Ordinances §§ 23-50, 23-52, 23-53 (Mandatory Recycling Program); § 25-1925 (residential "1-1-1" service); § 25-1921 (definitions)
All Businesses within unincorporated areas of Lee County shall establish an on-site recycling program and recycle a minimum of one (1) Recyclable Material that the business generates. This primary Recyclable Material shall be the Recyclable Material that makes up the largest portion of the Business' waste stream.
Illegal Dumping
Throwing or dumping litter, rubbish or refuse on any street, alley, canal, beach, waterway or other public place in unincorporated Lee County is a civil infraction. Fines escalate fast: $50 for a first offense, $250 for a second, up to $500 for a third, and a fourth violation becomes a criminal case under the County's general penalty section.
Illegal Dumping and Litter Penalties in Lee County
Some RestrictionsLee County Code of Ordinances §§ 23-86, 23-87, 23-95, 23-96; § 1-7(c)(2)
It is unlawful for any person to throw or deposit litter in any manner or amount upon any street, alley, sidewalk, lakes, canals, beaches, rivers and tributaries, or other public place within the County except in public receptacles, in authorized private receptacles for collection, or in official city or County landfills. ... Any person who violates this article shall be cited as follows: (1)Ci...
Dumpster Rules
Unincorporated Lee County businesses must have solid waste collected at least once a week, twice a week for food-service establishments, under Code of Ordinances § 25-1938(2). New commercial and multifamily buildings must also reserve dumpster pad space and clearance under § 25-1939.
Commercial Dumpster Rules in Lee County
Some RestrictionsLee County Code of Ordinances §§ 25-1938(2), 25-1939
(2)Commercial property. Commercial solid waste collection shall be performed as follows:a.Business accounts shall have at least one solid waste (other than horticulture waste) collection pick-up per week;b.Multifamily buildings classified as commercial accounts (to include apartments, condominia and mobile home parks) shall have:1.At least one solid waste (other than horticulture waste) collect...
Trash & Recycling by City in Lee County
2 cities in Lee County have their own trash & recycling rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Lee County ordinances
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