Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Bonita Springs
Trash Day
Varies by neighborhood zone
Recycling
Varies by neighborhood zone (same day as trash)
Yard Waste
Varies by neighborhood zone (same day as trash)
Set Out Time
By 6:30 AM on collection day (5:00 AM during seasonal summer months)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash and recycling services are managed via Lee County Solid Waste and billed annually as a non-ad valorem assessment on your Lee County property tax bill.
Billing Cycle
Annually (Included in Property Taxes)
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Early payment discounts are available on annual property tax bills (up to 4% for payments made in November).
Standard garbage cart (varies by franchised hauler) Bin (Trash)
All household garbage must be tied securely in plastic bags before being placed in the cart to prevent litter. Place the cart curbside by 6:00 AM on your scheduled day, keeping it at least 3 feet away from obstacles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam
Standard recycling cart (varies by franchised hauler) Bin (Recycling)
Items must be clean, dry, and placed completely loose in the cart. Never bag recyclables. Remove caps from glass bottles, but you may leave caps on compressed plastic bottles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Plastics #1 - #7
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Paper, mail, and magazines
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
- ✕Hazardous chemicals
- ✕Food waste
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste must be placed in a standard trash can, heavy-duty paper lawn bags, or tied into bundles. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited for yard waste and will result in a missed pickup.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Palm fronds
- ✓Branches (under 6 feet long and 4 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on designated pickup day
Placement
Place bulk items away from low-hanging tree branches, mailboxes, and your regular waste carts to ensure the collection trucks have safe clearance.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (couches, desks, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Rolled carpet (cut to manageable lengths)
- ✓ Large broken-down boxes
- ✓ Incidental DIY building materials
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals and wet paint
- ✕ Contractor-generated construction debris
- ✕ Tires and vehicle parts
- ✕ Boats
- ✕ Propane tanks
Standard residential bulk pickup is typically covered under the Lee County franchise assessment, though excessive construction debris or tire disposal may incur special hauling fees.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If one of these recognized holidays falls on a weekday, all collection services for the remainder of that week will be delayed by one day (e.g., Thursday pickups move to Friday). If the holiday falls on a weekend, there is no disruption to your service.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and bulk pickups follow the exact same one-day holiday delay schedule as regular household garbage.
Always leave your bins out by 6:00 AM even during holiday weeks, as substitute drivers or heavy volumes may cause the trucks to run earlier or later than usual.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June - NovemberIf a tropical storm or hurricane warning is issued for Lee County, cease all major yard pruning immediately. Do not place bulk trash or debris at the curb, as high winds turn these unsecured piles into severe safety hazards and projectiles.
Snowbird Surges
Winter/SpringDuring the winter and early spring, Bonita Springs sees a massive influx of seasonal residents. This spike in population significantly increases waste volumes. Always ensure your carts are out by 6:00 AM, as route times may fluctuate heavily during peak season.
Holiday Cardboard Management
November - DecemberThe influx of online shopping during the holidays leads to overflowing recycling bins. Break down and flatten all corrugated cardboard boxes completely so they fit inside your recycling cart without jamming the mechanical lifting arm of the truck.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cashing In On Your Cans and Bottles Right Here in Bonita Springs?
While Bonita Springs itself doesn't have a dedicated buyback center listed, Florida has a state program called the "Florida Beverage Recycling and Redemption Act." This means you can get 5 cents back for most aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles that have the redemption symbol on them. Your best bet is to look for grocery stores or convenience stores in the Bonita Springs area that participate in this program. Sometimes, larger chains are more likely to have redemption machines. You can also check out scrap metal yards in the wider Lee County area if you have larger amounts of metal items, though they might not take just beverage containers. It's worth a quick call to see what they accept!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life Near Bonita Springs
Before you toss out those unwanted items, think about giving them a new home! In the Bonita Springs area, consider dropping off usable goods at organizations like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Fort Myers. They accept furniture, appliances, building materials, and more, and the proceeds help build homes. You might also find local churches or community centers that run donation drives or have thrift stores. A quick search for "thrift stores Bonita Springs" or "donation centers Lee County" will give you some great options for your pre-loved treasures.
Keeping Our Bonita Springs Beautiful: Tackling Clutter Together
Nobody likes seeing trash piled up where it shouldn't be. If you happen to spot illegal dumping in or around Bonita Springs, the best thing to do is report it to Lee County Solid Waste. They have a system for handling these kinds of issues and keeping our neighborhoods clean. Keep an eye out for community clean-up events too – sometimes local groups organize these, and it's a fantastic way to meet neighbors and make a real difference in our town. It shows we all care about keeping Bonita Springs looking its best!
Drop-off Facilities
Lee County Topaz Court Solid Waste Annex (Household Chemical Waste)
6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers, FL 33966
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manages trash pickup in Bonita Springs?
Solid waste collection in Bonita Springs is managed by the Lee County Solid Waste division through a franchise system. The county contracts with private companies, such as Waste Management, to handle the actual curbside pickup.
Can I put my grass clippings in a plastic bag?
No. Lee County strictly prohibits the use of plastic bags for yard waste. Grass clippings, leaves, and trimmings must be placed in a standard trash can, heavy-duty paper lawn bags, or securely bundled.
Where can I safely dispose of old paint and pool chemicals?
Household chemical waste (HCW) cannot go in your curbside bins. Bonita Springs residents must bring wet paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, and hazardous materials to the Lee County Topaz Court Solid Waste Annex in Fort Myers.
How do I get rid of an old couch or mattress?
Bulky items like couches and mattresses are collected weekly. You can place them at the curb on your designated bulk pickup day. Be sure to keep them at least three feet away from your regular garbage carts and mailboxes.