Miami-Dade County, FL Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Bundle size limit
- 3 ft long, 50 lbs max
- Commingling ban effective
- December 31, 1991
- Default Chapter 15 fine
- $100 civil penalty
- Scope
- Countywide, all 34 municipalities
- Governing law
- Code Sec. 15-5.2, Sec. 15-1
Summary
Miami-Dade's Yard Trash Management Ordinance bans mixing yard trash with garbage and requires bundles no longer than 3 feet and no heavier than 50 pounds; it applies countywide, including all 34 municipalities.
(a)Commingling of yard trash and other forms of solid waste prohibited. After December 31, 1991, the following acts shall be a violation of this section:(1)The placement of yard trash at the curbside or other designated garbage collection area, by any person, for collection and disposal as garbage.(2)The placement of commingled yard trash at the curbside or other designated trash collection area, by any person, for collection and disposal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
Since December 31, 1991, Code Sec. 15-5.2 makes it a violation to place yard trash at the curb for collection as garbage, or to place commingled yard trash (mixed with other solid waste) out for collection. Code Sec. 15-1 defines 'bundled yard trash' as clean vegetative debris tied securely into bundles no more than 3 feet long and no more than 50 pounds each. The Yard Trash Management Ordinance (Sec. 15-5.1) applies in both incorporated and unincorporated Miami-Dade; the County enforces it in the unincorporated area (UMSA) and each of the 34 municipalities enforces it within its own limits unless it delegates enforcement to the County.
Violations & Fines
Placing yard trash out as garbage, or commingling it with other solid waste, is a Chapter 15 civil violation -- a $100 fine unless a higher scheduled penalty applies, enforced under Chapter 8CC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put yard trash in my regular garbage bin in Miami-Dade?
How should yard trash be bundled for pickup?
Does this rule apply inside cities like Hialeah or Homestead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview
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