Martin County, FL Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- No franchise needed for
- bulky waste & C&D debris
- Effective date
- October 1, 2023
- Self-haul option
- to licensed disposal facility
- Bulky waste examples
- furniture, mattresses, white goods, carpet
Summary
Martin County no longer requires a county franchise to haul away bulky waste or construction debris, and residents may self-haul it to the landfill too.
the County hereby grants an exemption from the franchise requirements in section 151.141. Under this exemption, any person may collect and transport bulky waste and construction and demolition debris in the unincorporated areas of the County on and after October 1, 2023, without obtaining a franchise from the County. All such collection and transportation activities shall be performed in compliance with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to, the applicable requirements in chapter 151. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, this exemption does not authorize any person to infringe upon or violate the rights of a franchisee that has the exclusive right to collect bulky waste or construction and demolition debris in a designated area or from specified customers (e.g., residential customers) pursuant to an exclusive franchise agreement. (Code 1974, § 29½-76; Ord. No. 529, 9-29-1998; Ord. No. 1202, pt. VII, 9-12-2023)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 | Land Development Regulations: Supplement 62).
Full Breakdown
Furniture, mattresses, white goods, and other bulky waste don't have to wait on the county's exclusive residential hauler. Since October 1, 2023, Martin County exempted bulky waste and construction and demolition debris collection from its franchise requirement, so any hauler can pick up those items in the unincorporated county without a county franchise. Residents may also self-haul their own bulky waste directly to a licensed solid waste management facility, such as the Martin County landfill, under the code's self-hauling provision. Curbside yard waste (brush, tree trimmings, palm fronds) still goes out at the curb in front of the home where it was generated.
Violations & Fines
Operating a solid waste collection business without a required franchise for non-exempt waste, or dumping bulky waste illegally, exposes a hauler to code enforcement action under Chapter 151.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the county's regular trash hauler to get rid of an old couch or refrigerator?
Can I haul my own bulky waste to the landfill myself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martin County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Martin County to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview
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