Palm Beach County, FL Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Set-out window
- No earlier than 3 p.m. day before
- Curb distance
- Within 2 feet of curb
- Removal
- Same day as collection
- Obstruction clearance
- 3 feet minimum
- Fine
- $75 Class II citation
Summary
Unincorporated Palm Beach County residents may set garbage and yard waste carts out no earlier than 3 p.m. the day before pickup and must pull them back in the same day collection occurs.
Garbage Carts and Yard Waste Containers shall be placed at the Collection Point no earlier than 3:00 p.m. on the day preceding the day upon which collection is customarily made. ...Garbage Carts and Yard Waste Containers shall be removed from the Collection Point on the same day collection is scheduled to occur. ...Garbage Carts and Yard Waste Containers shall be placed within two (2) feet of the street curb or edge of road right-of-way ... and readily accessible from the street or alley where collection service is rendered.
Full Breakdown
The county's Garbage and Yard Waste Collection Ordinance controls when carts can hit the curb: no earlier than 3:00 p.m. the day before your scheduled collection day, and they must come back off the Collection Point the same day the truck runs. Carts go within two feet of the curb or road right-of-way, clear of any fence or barrier, and at least three feet from cars, mailboxes, fire hydrants or other obstructions so the collector has unimpeded access. Outside the pickup window, carts must be stored where a structure, fence, or landscaping screens them from street view. This section applies only in unincorporated Palm Beach County. Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Jupiter and the county's 39 municipalities each set their own cart rules.
Violations & Fines
Improper cart placement is a Class II civil citation carrying a $75 fine, enforced by the county's Code Enforcement Division or a Solid Waste Authority inspector; each day of noncompliance counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I put my cart out in unincorporated Palm Beach County?
When must I bring the cart back in?
Does this rule apply in Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview
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