Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Fort Myers
Trash Day
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday (varies by neighborhood route)
Recycling
Same day as trash collection (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday)
Yard Waste
Once weekly on designated route day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday; may differ from trash day)
Set Out Time
By 6:30 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and recycling collection charges are bundled into your monthly City of Fort Myers municipal utility bill alongside water, wastewater, and stormwater services.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In Person
City-Issued Cart (96-gallon) Bin (Trash)
Carts must be placed at the curb no later than 6:30 a.m. on the scheduled collection day, or the night before. Carts must not be out more than 24 hours before or after pickup.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓General refuse
City-Issued Cart (65-gallon) Bin (Recycling)
Single-stream recycling is collected on the same day as garbage. Place all recyclable materials loose in the cart without bagging them.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard
- ✓Paper
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Household hazardous waste
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
Yard Waste Bin
Limit piles to 10 cubic yards. Branches must be 4 feet or shorter and under 4 inches in diameter (palm fronds exempt from length). Small items must be in paper bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Branches
- ✓Trimmings
- ✓Palm fronds
- ✓Pine needles
- ✓Fallen fruit
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once a week
Placement
Place items no more than 4 feet from the edge of the pavement. Brush and junk must be separated.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Stoves
- ✓ Refrigerators
- ✓ Washers
- ✓ Dryers
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous household waste
- ✕ RV holding tank waste
- ✕ Construction debris (unless using roll-off service)
- ✕ Mixed yard waste
Bulk pickups up to 4 cubic yards are included in your standard service. Exceeding this limit will require a special pickup and additional fees.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
No collection on observed holidays. If a holiday falls on a Monday or Tuesday, service is delayed by one day for the rest of the week. If a holiday falls on a Thursday or Friday, only Thursday and Friday routes are delayed. Wednesday routes (commercial only) do not impact residential schedules.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard and bulk waste collections follow the same holiday delay protocol as regular household garbage.
Weekend holidays generally do not affect weekday residential collection schedules.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June to NovemberBefore a named storm arrives, secure all trash and recycling carts inside a garage or shed. Cease all major yard trimming and do not place bulk items at the curb if a hurricane watch or warning is issued, as they can become dangerous projectiles.
Summer Rainy Season
June to SeptemberHeavy tropical downpours can wash loose debris into storm drains, causing localized flooding and illicit discharges. Ensure all grass clippings are bagged in paper or swept away from the street to protect the Caloosahatchee River.
Snowbird / Winter Peak Season
December to AprilAs seasonal residents return, collection volumes increase significantly. Be mindful to break down all cardboard boxes for recycling and ensure carts are out precisely by 6:30 a.m., as routing times may fluctuate with heavier neighborhood loads.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Cans and Bottles to Cash In Near Fort Myers?
Hey Fort Myers neighbors! Did you know you can get a few bucks back for your aluminum cans and plastic bottles? In Florida, we have a redemption program for many beverage containers. While there aren't many dedicated buyback centers right in the heart of Fort Myers for just cans and bottles, keeping an eye out for local scrap yards like Southwest Florida Recycling in Fort Myers is a good move. They often take various metals and sometimes accept larger quantities of recyclables for a small payout. It’s a great way to turn your recycling efforts into a little extra cash, especially if you accumulate a good amount over time. Check with them directly for what they currently accept and their hours.
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Fort Myers
Before you toss items that are still in decent shape, think about donating them! Fort Myers has some fantastic spots where your unwanted goods can help others. Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida has locations in and around Fort Myers, accepting clothing, household items, and more. Another great option is the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which often has furniture, building materials, and home decor that can be a treasure for someone else. Even local churches and community centers sometimes accept donations for their outreach programs. It's a win-win: declutter your home and support a local cause!
Keeping Our Fort Myers Streets Clean: Beyond the Bin
We all want Fort Myers to look its best! If you ever see illegal dumping – someone leaving trash or old furniture outside designated pick-up days or areas – it's important to report it. The City of Fort Myers encourages residents to report these issues. You can usually do this by calling the city's solid waste management department or through their website if they have a reporting portal. They also sometimes organize community clean-up events, especially around parks and natural areas. Keeping an eye on the city's official social media or public notices is a good way to find out about these opportunities to lend a hand and keep our beautiful Southwest Florida clean.
Drop-off Facilities
Lee County Resource Recovery Facility
10500 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should my trash and recycling carts be at the curb in Fort Myers?
Residents should place their 96-gallon trash and 65-gallon recycling carts out the night before, or no later than 6:30 a.m. on the scheduled collection day, to avoid missed pickups. They must be removed within 24 hours after collection.
Are there any restrictions on the size of branches for yard waste collection?
Yes. Standard branches and limbs must be cut to no longer than four feet in length and must be less than four inches in diameter. However, palm fronds are a specific exception to this rule and do not have to meet the four-foot length limit.
How much bulk waste can I throw away each week in Fort Myers?
The city allows up to four cubic yards of large household items (such as furniture and mattresses) and one white good appliance (like a refrigerator, washer, or stove) per week at no extra charge. Ensure it is placed away from your yard waste.
Can I use plastic bags for my leaves and grass clippings?
No. Small yard debris like leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings must be placed in recyclable paper bags. Alternatively, residents can request a dedicated 96-gallon horticulture cart from the Solid Waste Division for a small monthly fee of $2.75.