Broward County, FL Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 4+ dwelling units on one plot
- Pad size
- At least 2 ft wider than dumpster
- Enclosure height
- 6 in. taller than the dumpster
- Applies in
- Unincorporated Broward County only
- Exemption
- Attached garage or carport used for bins
Summary
Unincorporated Broward County requires dumpsters or dumpster enclosures on residential plots with four or more dwelling units, unless each unit has an attached garage or carport used to store waste containers.
(a)Dumpsters and dumpster enclosures shall be required on all residential plots containing four (4) or more dwelling units unless:1.There is a carport, garage, or other enclosed area suitable for storage of waste containers, attached to each individual dwelling unit on the plot; and2.That such carport, garage, or other enclosed area is used by the residents of the dwelling to store their waste containers when not being made available for trash pick-up.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Section 39-275(8) of the Broward County Code requires dumpsters or dumpster enclosures on any residential plot with four or more dwelling units, unless every unit has an attached garage, carport, or other enclosed area that residents use to store waste containers between collections. Enclosed dumpster pads must be at least two feet larger than the dumpster on every side, with wheel stops set a foot inside the perimeter. Three sides need a translucent enclosure taller than the dumpster; the fourth needs code-compliant gates on metal posts with self-closing hardware. This chapter is the Broward County Zoning Code and, per Section 39-2, applies only in unincorporated Broward. Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Coral Springs use their own municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Code enforcement can cite unincorporated Broward property owners for missing enclosures, undersized pads, non-compliant gates, or overflowing dumpsters between scheduled pickups, with fines escalating through the county's code enforcement hearing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this dumpster rule apply in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
When can I skip building a dumpster enclosure?
What are the enclosure gates supposed to look like?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview
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