Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Estero
Trash Day
Varies by neighborhood zone
Recycling
Collected weekly on the same day as trash
Yard Waste
Collected weekly on the same day as trash
Set Out Time
By 6:30 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential solid waste and recycling services in Estero are administered through Lee County and included as an annual non-ad valorem assessment on your property tax bill.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In-Person, Escrow
Pro Tip / Discount
Early payment discounts of 1% to 4% are offered for property taxes paid between November and February.
Standard Garbage Cart (typically Green, Grey, or Black depending on hauler) or personal 40-gallon cans Bin (Trash)
Trash must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. Personal cans must not exceed 40 gallons or 50 pounds each. There is no limit on the number of cans.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste and wrappers
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam and foam products
- ✓Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D)
Standard Recycling Cart (typically Blue) Bin (Recycling)
Place all items loosely in the bin. Do not bag recyclables. Extra cardboard must be flattened to 4' x 6' sections and placed next to the bin.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and paper
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (clear, green, brown)
- ✓Plastic containers labeled #1 through #7
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam egg cartons or trays
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Pizza boxes with food residue
- ✕Yard waste
Yard Waste Bin
Do not put yard waste in plastic bags. Place in personal containers, paper lawn bags, or tie into bundles. Must be under 6 feet long and under 50 pounds per bundle.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves and pine needles
- ✓Tree branches
- ✓Palm fronds
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your scheduled trash day
Placement
Set at the curb next to your regular garbage by 6:00 a.m. Ensure it is placed clear of mailboxes, fire hydrants, parked cars, and overhead wires.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, chairs, tables)
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large household appliances (white goods)
- ✓ Up to 2 cubic yards of construction debris per week
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous household chemicals
- ✕ Electronics and TVs
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Commercial construction waste
Standard residential bulk pickup is included in your county solid waste assessment. Excessive construction debris over the 2 cubic yard limit requires a private hauler.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized holiday falls on or before your normal collection day, your pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and bulk trash follow the exact same one-day delay rule as regular garbage during holiday weeks.
If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there are no delays and the schedule remains entirely unchanged.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June to NovemberDo not begin major tree trimming or place bulk debris at the curb if a tropical storm or hurricane watch is issued for Lee County. High winds turn heavy branches and furniture into dangerous projectiles.
Summer Rainy Season
May to OctoberFlorida's daily afternoon thunderstorms can easily waterlog your trash. Always use a tight-fitting lid on your cans; otherwise, accumulated rainwater will push your bin over the 50-pound weight limit, resulting in collection refusal.
Snowbird Season
December to AprilThe population in Estero swells during the winter months, leading to significantly heavier route volumes for haulers. Always have your bins at the curb by 6:00 a.m., as normal pickup times may fluctuate due to the increased neighborhood load.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Cans into Cash Right Here in Estero?
Thinking about those aluminum cans and plastic bottles? While Lee County doesn't have a widespread state-run bottle redemption program like some other places, you can still make a little money! Look for local scrap metal dealers. While specific buyback centers aren't listed for Estero directly, places like Fort Myers often have yards that accept scrap aluminum and other metals. It's always a good idea to call ahead to confirm what they take and their current rates. Keep an eye out for community recycling drives too – sometimes those are a great way to cash in!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a New Home in Estero!
Got furniture, clothes, or household items that are still in good shape but you just don't need anymore? Instead of tossing them, consider donating! The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center in Fort Myers is a well-known spot that accepts a wide variety of items. Another fantastic option is Habitat for Humanity ReStore, also in Fort Myers, which is perfect for gently used home goods and building materials. It feels good to help out local causes and keep perfectly good things out of the landfill.
Keeping Estero Beautiful: What to Do About Illegally Dumped Stuff
We all want Estero to look its best, right? If you ever spot trash or unwanted items dumped illegally, it's important to let someone know so it can be cleaned up. For those living in unincorporated areas of Lee County, you can report illegal dumping by contacting Lee County Solid Waste Management. They have procedures in place to deal with these situations and keep our neighborhoods clean. Sometimes, community clean-up events pop up too, which are a great way to pitch in and make a real difference right here at home.
Drop-off Facilities
Lee County Topaz Court Solid Waste Annex
6441 Topaz Ct, Fort Myers, FL 33966
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to schedule an appointment for bulk trash pickup in Estero?
No appointment is necessary. Simply place your bulky items (like furniture or appliances) at the curb next to your regular trash. If the standard truck cannot take it, the driver will place a tag on the item and a specialized truck will collect it within three days.
How many garbage bags or cans am I allowed to put out each week?
Lee County does not limit the number of garbage cans you can place at the curb for a single-family home in Estero. However, each individual can or heavy-duty bag must weigh less than 50 pounds and have a volume of 40 gallons or less.
Can I put my yard clippings in plastic bags for pickup?
No, yard waste must never be placed in plastic bags. It should be placed in personal waste containers, heavy paper lawn bags, or securely tied into bundles that weigh under 50 pounds and are less than 6 feet long.
How do I dispose of old electronics and batteries in Estero?
Electronics (e-waste) and rechargeable batteries are major fire hazards and should never go in your curbside bins. They must be dropped off at the Lee County Topaz Court Solid Waste Annex in Fort Myers. Standard alkaline batteries (AA, AAA), however, are safe to throw in your normal garbage.