Junk disposal methods in Miami are governed by the Miami-Dade Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) and supported by private service providers. Residents and contractors use six primary options to remove residential, commercial, or construction waste: municipal collection, private junk removal, recycling drop-offs, donation centers, roll-off dumpster rentals, and county-managed landfill visits.
Each disposal route is designed for a specific use case based on item type, volume, and regulation. Miami’s municipal program manages daily waste needs and scheduled bulk pickups. Private haulers and dumpster rentals simplify larger cleanouts and construction debris removal. Donation programs preserve usable items, while recycling centers keep materials out of landfills. Landfills accept final disposal loads that cannot be reused or processed elsewhere.
Certain materials—including electronics, batteries, solvents, and refrigerant appliances—require special handling under state and county environmental rules. Selecting the right disposal method ensures legal compliance, community safety, and environmental protection.
Common Methods for Junk Disposal in Miami
1. Municipal Waste Collection
Miami-Dade Solid Waste Management offers twice-weekly curbside garbage collection and bi-weekly recycling for single-family residences in eligible zones. Residents may also schedule two bulky waste pickups per year (up to 25 cubic yards).
Curbside services are not permitted to accept items such as appliances with Freon, electronics, batteries, tires, or paint.
Service Request Line: 311 or 305-514-6610
2. Private Junk Removal Services
Private junk removal services are ideal for large, mixed loads and urgent removals. These providers handle full-property cleanouts, hoarding situations, post-renovation waste, and commercial jobs.
Most Miami-based haulers price by load volume and offer same-day service. Some services prioritize sustainability by separating recyclable and donatable items.
3. Recycling Centers and Drop-Off Locations
Miami-Dade operates Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Centers (TRCs) that accept sorted recyclable items like cardboard, aluminum, glass, plastics, and small electronics.
These sites are open 7 days a week and free to county residents with ID. Contaminated or mixed materials may be rejected.
Example Location:
West Little River TRC – 1830 NW 79th Street, Miami, FL 33147
Open Daily: 7 AM – 5:30 PM
4. Donation and Reuse Programs
Usable items like furniture, appliances, clothing, and electronics can be donated to nonprofit organizations. Miami hosts a wide range of donation centers including:
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami ReStores
Lotus House Thrift Chic Boutique
Goodwill South Florida
These programs often offer pickup service for large items. Donated items must be in working condition and free from health or safety risks.
5. DIY Disposal and Landfill Visits
Miami-Dade residents can haul junk directly to North Dade or South Dade Landfill for items not eligible for curbside or private collection.
Tipping fees apply based on weight and waste type. Residents must provide proof of Miami-Dade residency. Hazardous items, liquids, or electronics will be turned away unless designated for special facilities.
South Dade Landfill – 23707 SW 97th Ave, Homestead, FL 33032
North Dade Landfill – 21500 NW 47th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33055
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 7 AM – 5:00 PM
6. Roll-Off Dumpster Rental
Roll-off dumpsters offer scalable junk disposal for renovation, demolition, landscaping, or large home cleanouts. Elgin’s Dumpsters provides units from 10 to 40 yards, delivered throughout Miami and surrounding neighborhoods.
Renters fill the dumpster during the rental period, and Elgin’s team removes it for sorting and disposal.
Restricted items include:
Paints, oils, and solvents
Tires, electronics, and batteries
Asbestos-containing materials
Freon appliances and medical waste
Dumpster rental is a practical solution for large-scale projects where convenience, volume, and flexibility matter.
How to Dispose of Hazardous Junk in Miami
Hazardous junk must be handled through Miami-Dade’s Home Chemical Collection Centers (HCCC). These centers accept residential quantities of toxic, flammable, or corrosive items. Residents may not dispose of hazardous items in the trash, recycling bin, or public dumpsters.
Hazardous Waste Examples:
Automotive fluids, oils, and antifreeze
Paint, thinners, and varnish
Lawn and garden chemicals
Batteries and aerosols
CFLs, fluorescent tubes, and mercury items
TVs, laptops, monitors, and printers
Refrigerators, A/C units, and dehumidifiers (Freon)
Home Chemical Collection Centers
8801 NW 58th St, Doral, FL 33178
Tel: 305-468-5900
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 9 AM – 5 PM
Hazardous junk must be brought in sealed, labeled containers. Mixed materials or leaking items may be rejected. It is illegal to dump hazardous waste into storm drains, trash cans, or vacant lots.
What Items Are Considered Hazardous?
Hazardous waste includes:
Paint, stain, and turpentine
Used motor oil and filters
Pesticides and herbicides
Cleaning chemicals
Batteries, bulbs, and e-waste
Freon-based appliances
Miami Regulations for Special Waste
Miami-Dade County enforces special waste regulations through DSWM and in coordination with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Special waste includes hazardous chemicals, electronics, large appliances, tires, and construction debris.
It is illegal to dispose of regulated waste in curbside bins, roll-off dumpsters, or standard landfills unless certified for special handling.
Disposal Requirements:
Transport in leak-proof, clearly labeled containers
Secure materials in vehicle during transport
Follow DOT packaging guidelines for chemical quantities
Avoid mixing incompatible materials
Penalties for illegal disposal may include:
Fines up to $50,000 per incident (per Florida Statute 403.161)
Criminal charges for environmental damage
Cleanup and remediation liability
To stay compliant, residents should contact 311 or consult Miami-Dade Solid Waste’s special waste guide.
