Miami-Dade County, FL Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Set-out deadline
- No later than 7:00 a.m.
- Curb distance
- Within 3 feet of pavement edge
- Spacing
- At least 5 feet from other objects
- Scope
- Unincorporated Miami-Dade County (UMSA) only
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Solid Waste Management
Summary
Unincorporated Miami-Dade County requires trash carts at curbside no later than 7:00 a.m. on collection day, positioned within 3 feet of the pavement edge and 5 feet from obstructions.
All carts shall be placed at curbside or other designated collection area only on scheduled collection days no later than 7:00 a.m. and shall be removed on the day of collection. The cart shall be placed at the curbside adjacent to the property with the front of the cart facing the street and no more than three (3) feet from the edge of the pavement and no less than five (5) feet from any other cart, mailbox, utility-guy wire, or other objects to allow maneuverability of collection equipment. The cart's lid shall remain closed for collection purposes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
Section 15-5 of the Miami-Dade County Code bars residents in unincorporated Miami-Dade County (UMSA) from leaving uncontainerized waste on their property or the adjoining right-of-way. Carts must go out at curbside only on the scheduled collection day, no later than 7:00 a.m., with the front facing the street, no more than 3 feet from the pavement edge, and at least 5 feet from any other cart, mailbox, or utility guy-wire so trucks can maneuver. Carts should not sit under a tree, must keep the lid closed, and can't block pedestrian or vehicle passage. This section applies only in the unincorporated area, the 34 municipalities handle their own set-out rules.
Violations & Fines
Violating this section starts with a written notice giving up to 14 days to fix it, then a uniform civil violation notice under Chapter 8CC; the County may also remove the waste and bill the owner for special collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do trash carts need to be off the curb in unincorporated Miami-Dade County?
Does this rule apply inside the City of Miami or Miami Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview
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