St. Lucie County, FL Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Out earliest
- 6:00 p.m. day before pickup
- Empty carts
- Off curb by midnight collection day
- Spacing
- 3 feet from other objects
- City section
- Port St. Lucie Code Ch. 80
- Fine
- $35, then $70 repeat
Summary
In Port St. Lucie, garbage and recycling carts may not be set curbside before 6:00 p.m. the day before pickup, and empty carts may not be left at the curb after midnight of collection day.
[No person shall] Place a garbage cart or recycling cart curbside prior to 6:00 p.m. the day before the scheduled collection day for such materials at that parcel. Leave an empty garbage cart or an empty recycling cart curbside after midnight of the scheduled collection day for such materials at that parcel.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32 | Land Development Code: Supplement 36).
Full Breakdown
Port St. Lucie Code Chapter 80 makes it a violation to place a garbage or recycling cart curbside prior to 6:00 p.m. the day before the scheduled collection day, or to leave an empty cart at the curb after midnight of the collection day; carts must be removed from curbside the day of collection. Carts must sit at least three feet from any object or other container. In the unincorporated county, set-out timing is governed by the hauler's franchise agreement, but waste must be contained so it cannot scatter onto public property or a neighbor's land.
Violations & Fines
A cart-placement violation in Port St. Lucie draws a solid-waste citation with a $35 first-offense civil penalty and $70 for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I put my cart out?
How far apart should carts sit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Lucie County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare St. Lucie County to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview
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