Disposing of scrap metal in Miami requires understanding the city’s sanitation rules, environmental responsibilities, and available recycling options. Whether you’re renovating a Little Havana home, clearing out a warehouse in Wynwood, or managing debris from a construction site in Brickell, this guide covers every approved method—from Miami-Dade curbside guidelines and local recycling centers to roll-off dumpster rentals and professional scrap pickup services.
You’ll learn how to separate ferrous and non-ferrous metals, follow legal disposal procedures set by Miami-Dade Solid Waste Management, and choose the best route based on the volume, location, and type of metal you’re dealing with. We’ll also cover how to handle appliances, electronics, and commercial-grade materials, and where you can legally recycle metal—and even get paid for it.
Your Scrap Metal Disposal Options in Miami
Miami offers several legal and convenient options for disposing of scrap metal, depending on the type, volume, and source. You can use Miami-Dade’s Bulky Waste Pickup for smaller items, drop off scrap at designated Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Centers, rent a dumpster for large-scale cleanouts, or hire a junk removal company for hassle-free collection. Each method follows Miami-Dade County’s waste regulations and helps reduce illegal dumping and environmental impact.
1. Curbside Collection Guidelines (If Applicable)
Miami-Dade County provides two bulky waste pickups per year for residential properties. Small scrap metal items such as aluminum lawn furniture, grills (without propane), and non-refrigerated appliances are generally accepted.
Weight & Size Limits: Items must be manageable by two people and not exceed 25 cubic yards in total per pickup.
Preparation: Remove hazardous parts, gas, oil, batteries, and sharp metal edges. No construction debris or commercial scrap.
Scheduling a Pickup: Call 311 or schedule online via miamidade.gov/bulkywaste.
2. Drop-Off Locations in Miami for Scrap Metal
Residents can use Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Centers (TRCs) for free scrap metal disposal. These accept both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as long as they are clean and separated.
City-Run Facilities
Norwood Trash & Recycling Center
19901 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33169
Hours: Daily, 7 AM–5:30 PM
Accepts small appliances, aluminum, copper, steel, wires.
West Little River TRC
1830 NW 79th St, Miami, FL 33147
Hours: Daily, 7 AM–5:30 PM
ID required. Residents only—no commercial drop-offs.
Local Scrap Metal Dealers in Miami
Atlas Metal & Iron Corp
2000 NW 71st St, Miami, FL 33147
Full-service scrap yard buying copper, aluminum, brass, and steel.
Quick Scrap Metal
2777 NW 54th St, Miami, FL 33142
Offers cash payouts for clean metal. B2B services available.
Salvage King Recycling
3317 NW 79th St, Miami, FL 33147
Specializes in non-ferrous scrap. Will assist with sorting on site.
Residential vs. Commercial Drop-Offs
Residential: Free with valid Miami-Dade ID.
Commercial: Must use licensed facilities and pay per-pound or by volume. DOT compliance required.
3. Rent a Dumpster for Bulk Scrap Metal
Dumpster rental is ideal for roofing jobs, large cleanouts, metal sheds, fencing, or construction debris.
When to Rent:
Large metal loads or mixed debris
Renovation or demolition jobs
No access to bulk pickups or drop-off
Metal Types Allowed:
Ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Check with provider for restrictions on mixed waste or painted metal.
Recommended Sizes:
10-yard: Small cleanup or minor fencing
15-yard: Shed teardown, siding, or roofing
20-yard+: Full renovation or commercial projects
Local Providers:
Bin There Dump That Dumpster Rental Miami
Tel: 954-516-1045
Elgins Dumpsters – Miami
Tel: (305) 506-8116
Tip: Ask if they offer dedicated metal-only dumpsters for discounted recycling rates.
4. Hire a Scrap Metal Removal Service
A licensed removal service is best for:
Homeowners with limited mobility
HOAs that restrict dumpster use
Urgent cleanouts or non-drivable vehicles
What They Take:
Washers, dryers, water heaters, exercise equipment
Steel piping, HVAC units, metal sheds
Copper wiring, bulk electronics (non-functioning)
Top Local Services:
Junk King Miami North
10760 NW 138th St Unit 4, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018
Tel: 786-837-9775
Junk King Miami South
10715 SW 190th St Suite 7, Cutler Bay, FL 33157
Tel: 786-350-3000
Pricing:
Starts around $90–$120 per pickup
Rates based on volume, accessibility, and material
Save by placing items curbside or in one accessible area
Choosing the Right Scrap Metal Disposal Method in Miami
Choosing the best way to dispose of scrap metal in Miami depends on how much metal you have, where it’s located, the type of metal, and how soon you need it gone. Use the table below to compare your options and find the most practical, cost-effective, and legal method that meets Miami-Dade County waste guidelines.
| Disposal Method | Best For | Accepted Metals | Cost | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curbside Bulk Pickup | Residential waste, grills, aluminum furniture | Small non-ferrous items (no refrigerants) | Free (2 pickups/year) | Scheduled by request via 311 or online |
| TRC Drop-Off Centers | Residents with light-to-medium scrap volume | Cleaned ferrous & non-ferrous metals | Free (ID required) | Open daily; self-transport required |
| Dumpster Rental | Remodeling, demolition, large scrap piles | Mixed metals (check with provider) | Moderate–High | High capacity, driveway access needed |
| Junk Removal Services | Urgent removal, seniors, HOAs | Large or mixed scrap, appliances, electronics | $90–$250 per load | Hands-off, on-demand pickup |
| Scrap Dealers (Get Paid) | Anyone with high-value recyclables | Copper, brass, aluminum, stainless steel | Paid per lb. | Drive-in, ID required, sort for best price |
Environmental and Legal Considerations for Scrap Metal Disposal
Proper scrap metal disposal in Miami isn’t just a civic duty—it’s a legal requirement that protects the environment and public health. Whether you’re recycling a metal fence, getting rid of appliances, or managing industrial scrap, knowing and following local rules ensures you’re in full compliance with Miami-Dade County and Florida DEP regulations.
Why Responsible Scrap Metal Disposal Matters
Environmental Hazards: Untreated or improperly discarded metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, or chromium can leach into Miami’s groundwater, stormwater runoff, and Biscayne Bay. Electronics, old batteries, and painted metals pose elevated risk when landfilled or dumped illegally.
Legal Penalties: Dumping scrap metal illegally, mixing it with household garbage, or failing to follow refrigerant removal rules may result in fines from Miami-Dade Code Enforcement, and could trigger violations from state environmental authorities.
Recycling Efficiency: Properly separating ferrous vs. non-ferrous metals improves Miami’s recycling stream. Sorted metals are easier to process, retain higher resale value, and support local metal markets like copper and aluminum recovery.
City of Miami & Miami-Dade County Regulations
Separation Required: Scrap metal must not be mixed with yard waste, food waste, or hazardous materials.
Appliance Handling: Units like refrigerators, air conditioners, and freezers must have refrigerants professionally drained in accordance with EPA Section 608 rules before curbside pickup or facility drop-off.
Proof of Residency: Miami-Dade’s Trash and Recycling Centers (TRCs) require valid photo ID and proof of local address for access.
Drop-off Limits: Residents may use TRCs for free, but commercial loads must go through designated scrap yards or licensed recycling facilities with scale weights and manifests.
Business Compliance: If your business generates industrial scrap or e-waste, you’re responsible for maintaining disposal logs, using licensed haulers, and keeping records for Miami-Dade Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) inspections.
