Fort Myers, FL Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Earliest set-out
- 12:00 p.m. day before collection
- Removal deadline
- 7:00 p.m. on collection day
- Enforcing agency
- Public works director / code enforcement
- 2nd violation fine
- $10.00 per day
- 3rd+ violation fine
- $25.00 per day
Summary
Fort Myers residents must place solid waste and recycling containers at the curb no earlier than noon the day before pickup and remove them by 7:00 p.m. on collection day.
Residential or commercial solid waste containers placed near the curb, street or alley shall be placed there no earlier than 12:00 p.m. on the day preceding the collection day and must be removed to a point at the side or rear of the structure by 7:00 p.m. of the collection day. Any container not removed will be tagged by code enforcement or the solid waste division with a warning. Second violators will be subject to a fine of $10.00 per day, which will be placed on the customer's utility bill.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 60).
Full Breakdown
Under Fort Myers Code of Ordinances § 70-49(q)(1), residential and commercial solid waste and recycling containers set near the curb, street or alley cannot go out before 12:00 p.m. the day preceding collection and must be pulled back to the side or rear of the structure by 7:00 p.m. on collection day. Containers left out past the deadline are tagged with a warning by code enforcement or the solid waste division on the first violation; a second violation draws a $10.00-per-day fine and a third or later violation draws $25.00 per day, both billed directly to the customer's utility account.
Violations & Fines
Containers left curbside past 7:00 p.m. on collection day get a warning tag first, then a $10.00-per-day fine, rising to $25.00 per day for repeat violations, billed on the utility account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I put my trash can out in Fort Myers?
What happens if I leave my can at the curb too long?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Myers
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Myers to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview
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Bin Placement Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Lee County handle bin placement rules.