Whether you’re cleaning up after hurricane season, trimming back tropical growth, or redesigning your landscape, knowing how to dispose of yard waste in Miami is crucial. Local regulations in Miami-Dade County define yard debris differently than household garbage, and using the wrong disposal method can lead to fines, failed pickups, or environmental harm.
From bagged leaves and lawn clippings to fallen branches, palm fronds, and heavy stumps, each type of yard waste requires a disposal approach that matches both volume and compliance standards. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to dispose of yard waste in Miami—step by step. You’ll learn about curbside collection services, permitted composting practices, approved landfill and green waste drop-off sites, and when it makes sense to rent a dumpster for larger projects.
Whether you’re a homeowner doing weekend yard work or a landscaping contractor managing bulk debris, this resource offers a complete overview of your disposal options—tailored to Miami’s subtropical climate and municipal waste protocols.
What Qualifies as Yard Waste in Miami?
If you’re preparing for a yard cleanup in Miami, understanding what’s considered yard waste under Miami-Dade County’s disposal rules is a key first step. Yard waste—often referred to as green waste or landscape debris—typically includes natural, biodegradable materials generated from routine lawn care, tree trimming, or hurricane-related cleanup.
The county’s Solid Waste Management Department outlines specific guidelines on what can and can’t be placed for curbside collection or taken to authorized disposal sites. Knowing these distinctions can help you avoid improper disposal, contamination penalties, or collection delays—especially in neighborhoods with strict HOA or storm season policies.
Common Types of Yard Debris
In Miami’s subtropical environment, yard debris can include a variety of plant-based materials. The following are generally accepted as standard green waste:
Leaves – Bagged or loose foliage from trees, tropical shrubs, or palm fronds.
Grass Clippings – Fresh or dried cuttings from lawn mowing or edging.
Bushes and Hedges – Trimmed branches, clippings, or small shrubs (preferably de-rooted).
Tree Limbs and Palm Branches – Must typically be under 4 feet in length and weigh less than 50 pounds per bundle for pickup.
Stumps and Log Sections – Smaller pieces may be accepted at neighborhood trash and recycling centers (TRCs); larger items require special handling.
Mulch and Wood Chips – Clean, untreated mulch and naturally derived wood shavings are accepted for compost or disposal.
Soil and Dirt – Can be accepted in limited quantities, though large volumes or mixed material may be considered construction waste.
Weeds, Vines, and Garden Plants – Soft organic growth removed during seasonal or maintenance gardening.
What is NOT Yard Waste?
Certain items, even if used outdoors, don’t qualify as yard waste and must be handled through bulky trash pickup, C&D debris disposal, or hazardous waste programs.
Treated or Painted Lumber – Pressure-treated wood, fencing panels, or stained timbers are classified as C&D waste.
Plastic Plant Containers or Bags – Nursery pots, seedling trays, and garbage bags must be removed prior to disposal.
Synthetic Materials – Landscape fabric, artificial turf, or plastic edging cannot be composted or included in green waste loads.
Rocks, Stones, and Concrete Pavers – Considered inert debris and must be hauled separately under construction regulations.
Garden Statues, Lighting, or Decor – Non-organic ornaments are not eligible for yard waste recycling.
Pet Waste or Kitchen Scraps – These materials are household waste and not permitted in yard debris loads.
Mixed Loads – Yard waste mixed with household trash, hazardous materials, or recyclables can be rejected outright and may result in fines.
Properly separating your yard debris is essential for keeping collection services running smoothly and ensuring compliance with Miami-Dade’s environmental guidelines. If you’re unsure about a material, check with your local waste management office or the County’s Solid Waste Division before placing it curbside or loading it into a dumpster.
5 Ways to Dispose of Yard Waste in Miami
Whether you’re trimming palms, clearing hurricane debris, or managing an ongoing landscaping project, understanding how to dispose of yard waste in Miami can save you time, prevent fines, and help protect the local environment. From municipal services to private disposal options, here are five reliable and legal methods for getting rid of green waste in Miami-Dade County.
1. Use Miami-Dade’s Curbside Yard Waste Collection Program
Miami-Dade County offers weekly curbside yard waste pickup as part of its residential solid waste service. This is the most convenient option for handling routine lawn care debris and small pruning jobs.
Here’s how it works:
Place yard debris in paper lawn bags, reusable containers, or neatly tied bundles (no plastic bags allowed).
Each bundle should be under 50 pounds and no longer than 4 feet in length.
Acceptable items include leaves, grass clippings, small branches, and twigs.
Set your materials curbside no later than 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.
Reminder: Large branches, mixed trash loads, or items like palm trunks may not be accepted and require special pickup or hauling.
Check your pickup day and neighborhood rules here: miamidade.gov/solidwaste
2. Rent a Dumpster for Large Yard Waste Projects
If you’re undertaking a major property cleanup, removing large trees, or managing debris after a storm, renting a roll-off dumpster is the fastest way to dispose of yard waste in volume.
Lowboy dumpsters are ideal for:
Palm trunks and oversized limbs
Heavy root balls or piles of brush
Sod, dirt, or mixed landscaping material
Hurricane-related storm debris
Choose the right size based on your project scope. Elgins Dumpsters provides 10-yard and 15-yard containers across the Miami metro area, perfect for landscape professionals and homeowners alike.
Popular local dumpster rental services:
USA Dumpster Rentals Miami
Tel: 305-493-8793
Elgins Dumpsters Miami
Tel: (305) 506-8116
What Yard Waste Can’t Go in a Dumpster?
While dumpsters offer convenience, there are materials you should not place in yard waste containers due to safety, legal, and environmental concerns:
???? Treated or Painted Wood
– Fence posts or decking must go to a C&D facility.
???? Bulk Dirt or Soil
– Heavy materials may exceed container weight limits and require prior approval.
???? Hazardous Materials
– Pesticides, fuel, and gas-powered tools are banned from dumpster disposal.
???? Oversized Stumps
– Large, dense stumps can damage the container and should be hauled separately.
???? Rocks, Concrete, or Gravel
– These materials are inert debris, not green waste. Request a specialized dumpster for removal.
Always confirm material type before booking—this avoids extra charges and ensures compliance with Miami-Dade County regulations.
3. Compost Your Organic Yard Waste
Composting is one of the most sustainable ways to get rid of small-scale yard debris while giving back to your soil. Many Miami residents choose to compost leaves, grass, and garden trimmings at home.
Compostable materials include:
Grass clippings
Fallen leaves
Non-invasive plant trimmings
Small wood chips or untreated mulch
You can create a backyard compost pile, use a bin system, or check for community composting drop-off sites operated by local environmental groups or neighborhood associations.
Benefit: Reduces landfill waste and enriches your garden’s soil naturally.
4. Drop Off Yard Debris at Trash and Recycling Centers (TRCs)
Miami-Dade operates a network of Trash and Recycling Centers (TRCs) where residents can self-haul acceptable green waste for disposal or composting.
Accepted yard waste includes:
Bundled branches and tree limbs
Leaves and lawn clippings
Shrubs and hedge trimmings
Limited quantities of dirt or mulch
Example TRC Location:
West Little River TRC
1830 NW 79th Street, Miami, FL 33147
Tel: 311 or 305-514-6666
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page
Be prepared to show ID and confirm residential status. Volume caps may apply.
5. Hire a Yard Waste Hauling or Landscaping Service
Need a hands-off solution? Hiring a professional yard waste removal service is ideal for clearing overgrown lots, post-storm cleanup, or removing dense, heavy debris like stumps and palm trunks.
This option works best for:
Foreclosed property cleanouts
Commercial or rental unit landscaping
Stump removal and hauling
Large-scale renovation or tree removal
While it may cost more upfront, professional hauling is fast, efficient, and removes the burden of labor and transport.
How to Dispose of Specific Types of Yard Waste
Different types of yard debris in Miami require specific disposal approaches—especially when factoring in bulk, weight restrictions, and organic compost potential. Whether you’re trimming tropical hedges or removing hurricane-damaged trees, here’s how to dispose of each material type responsibly and in accordance with Miami-Dade County waste guidelines.
Leaves and Lawn Clippings
How to dispose of:
Dry leaves and fresh grass clippings are light, compostable, and among the easiest green waste to handle in Miami’s yard maintenance cycle.
Disposal options:
Place them in paper lawn bags or reusable containers up to 50 gallons for weekly curbside pickup.
Compost at home or use as mulch around trees and garden beds—grass adds nitrogen, while leaves provide carbon.
Consider Miami-Dade’s community garden networks that accept clean leaf litter and clippings for composting efforts.
Avoid:
Plastic bags. Waste in plastic is not accepted and will be left behind at curbside.
Tree Branches and Limbs
How to dispose of:
Trimmings from palms, ficus, or hardwood trees must be cut and bundled to meet city requirements—or handled in bulk during large removals.
Disposal options:
Bundle branches under 4 feet long and under 50 pounds, using natural twine or rope.
Set at the curb for routine yard waste pickup.
Use a roll-off dumpster if you’re removing multiple trees or clearing hurricane debris.
Haul directly to a Trash and Recycling Center (TRC) for free drop-off if you’re a county resident.
Pro tip: Avoid mixing in pressure-treated wood or fencing—doing so may result in the entire load being classified as C&D debris.
Tree Stumps and Large Logs
How to dispose of:
These are dense, heavy, and generally not accepted curbside. Most stumps exceed weight limits and need alternative disposal.
Disposal options:
Hire a licensed stump grinding service to break down the material on-site.
Use a Lowboy dumpster rental for hauling heavy log sections and large root systems.
Drop off smaller stumps or logs at approved county TRCs, such as Norwood or South Dade locations (call ahead).
For very large or embedded stumps, disposal may fall under Construction & Demolition (C&D) regulations and incur additional fees.
Dirt, Soil, and Mulch
How to dispose of:
Miami-Dade’s green waste program does not generally accept dirt or soil through curbside pickup. It’s too heavy and not compostable at scale.
Disposal options:
Redistribute on-site if clean and uncontaminated—ideal for minor landscaping or grading fixes.
Post leftover mulch or fill dirt on local reuse platforms like OfferUp or Nextdoor.
Rent a dumpster for excavation projects or large-scale landscaping work.
Take clean soil to an authorized landfill or fill site—always confirm that it’s free from debris, roots, or hazardous material.
Warning: Soil mixed with trash, gravel, or plant roots may be rejected or classified as mixed load, increasing disposal costs.
Bushes, Hedges, and Shrubs
How to dispose of:
From ficus to hibiscus, most shrubs and hedges are manageable if trimmed and separated correctly. Removing excess soil is key for acceptance.
Disposal options:
Cut down to under 4 feet in length and 50 lbs per bundle and place curbside for regular yard waste pickup.
Compost green trimmings like soft stems and leaves.
Use dumpster rentals for bulk shrub removal during replanting or renovation projects.
Drop off larger hedge sections or entire bushes at your nearest Miami-Dade TRC.
Pro tip: Always shake or cut excess soil from root balls before bundling—this helps ensure it’s processed as organic green waste, not C&D debris.
Miami Yard Waste Regulations and Guidelines
To help keep Miami clean, hurricane-ready, and environmentally responsible, Miami-Dade County enforces specific regulations for the disposal of yard waste. Whether you’re trimming palms, clearing brush, or removing storm debris, following these local guidelines ensures proper collection and avoids fines, service delays, or load rejections.
Key Yard Waste Rules in Miami-Dade County
Weekly Collection Schedule
Yard trash is collected once a week for eligible residential customers.
All yard waste should be placed curbside no earlier than the evening before and no later than 7 a.m. on collection day.
Approved Containers and Bundling
Use paper yard waste bags or rigid reusable containers (up to 50 gallons).
Alternatively, tie branches into neat bundles using natural twine.
Plastic bags are not accepted and will result in non-collection.
Size & Weight Limits
Branches must be under 4 feet long and weigh less than 50 pounds per bundle.
Each individual bag or container must not exceed 50 pounds.
Oversized items may be refused and require bulk pickup scheduling.
Accepted Yard Debris
Leaves, lawn clippings, hedge trimmings, vines, small branches, and other clean organic waste.
Materials must be free of plastic, metal, or foreign debris to be eligible for yard waste collection or drop-off.
Prohibited Materials
Dirt, sand, and mulch (must be disposed of separately or hauled via dumpster).
Stumps and large logs (require special handling or drop-off at Trash and Recycling Centers).
Treated wood, fencing, and construction materials (classified as C&D waste).
Plastic plant pots, synthetic turf, or landscape fabric.
Mixed loads (e.g., yard debris combined with garbage or recyclables) may be rejected or fined.
Special Pickup or Large Volume Disposal
If your yard debris exceeds weekly volume limits or includes oversized material, you can:
Schedule a bulky waste pickup through the 311 system.
Rent a roll-off dumpster from a licensed provider for full property cleanups or storm recovery efforts.
Storm and Hurricane Cleanup Policies
Miami-Dade initiates special debris collection rounds following named storms or hurricanes.
Keep vegetative debris separate from other materials (e.g., appliances or roofing).
Follow county-issued guidelines for pile placement and size limits.
Only place debris on public right-of-way, not in alleys, sidewalks, or roadways.
Illegal Dumping Enforcement
Dumping yard waste in canals, vacant lots, or roadside swales is prohibited under county law. Violators may face fines or code enforcement actions under Miami-Dade’s illegal dumping ordinance.
Where to Get More Info or Report Issues
Miami-Dade County Solid Waste Management
2525 NW 62nd St #2000, Miami, FL 33147
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/solidwaste/home.page
Tel: 305-514-6666
City of Miami Department of Solid Waste (for city-managed residents)
3785 Northwest 164th Street, Opa-locka, FL 33142
http://www.miamizerowaste.com/
Tel: 305-960-2801
