Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Lee County

Lee County, FL Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Can capacity
40 gallons or 50 pounds max
Lids
Tight-fitting lids required
Set-out window
No earlier than 24 hours before
Take-in deadline
Within 48 hours after collection
Civil fine
Up to $500 per violation

Summary

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.

City-specific rules exist: Cape Coral, and Fort Myers have their own bin placement rules rules that differ from Lee County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

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.

Source: Lee County Code of Ordinances & Land Development Code (Municode)View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 25-1926(1) makes it the property owner’s job to provide approved receptacles adequate and sufficient to contain all solid waste generated from the residence, and bars maintaining or permitting any unsanitary nuisance injurious to the public health. Section 25-1921 defines the can: steel, plastic, aluminum or galvanized, not more than 40 gallons capacity or 50 pounds in weight, with a tight-fitting lid. Heavy-mil plastic bags also count. Collection is once a week at the curb, within six feet of the roadway, and horticulture waste must be under six feet long and under 50 pounds.

Violations & Fines

Putting receptacles out more than 24 hours before collection, or leaving them out more than 48 hours after, violates the division. Civil fines run up to $500 per violation, each day counting separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any trash can I want?
It must be steel, plastic, aluminum or galvanized, hold no more than 40 gallons or 50 pounds, and have a tight-fitting lid. Heavy-mil plastic bags also qualify as a receptacle.
What if I leave loose garbage on my property?
An owner may not maintain or permit an unsanitary nuisance injurious to public health. Curbside garbage placed out of compliance is a public nuisance the county can abate and lien.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lee County

Bulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsFire Regulations: Propane StorageSome RestrictionsRight to Farm: Farm Nuisance ProtectionFew Restrictions

All Lee County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Lee County to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview

Get notified when Bin Placement Rules in Lee County, FL changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Bin Placement Rules in Cities Across Lee County

Cape Coral, FLFort Myers, FL