Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Miami Gardens
Trash Day
Twice per week (varies by neighborhood route; typically Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday)
Recycling
Bi-weekly (every other week; day varies by neighborhood zone)
Yard Waste
Available via 2 free scheduled bulky waste pickups per year (up to 25 cu. yd. each) or drop-off at local TRCs
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and recycling services in Miami Gardens are provided by Miami-Dade County and billed as an annual non-ad valorem assessment on your property tax bill.
Billing Cycle
Annual (Included in Property Taxes)
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In-Person (via Miami-Dade County Tax Collector)
Pro Tip / Discount
Special assistance collection is available for disabled residents unable to wheel carts to the curb (request via 311). Senior citizen exemptions may apply to property taxes.
Green Cart (96-gallon standard) Bin (Trash)
Place cart at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection day. Keep 5 feet away from mailboxes, cars, and trees, with the wheels facing your home.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓General refuse
Blue Cart (65-gallon standard) Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be completely loose and unbagged. The lid must be completely closed for collection. Do not stuff the bin so tightly that items get stuck.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard
- ✓Paper (newspaper, office paper, magazines)
- ✓Steel and aluminum cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastic tubs, jugs, and bottles
- ✓Aseptic poly-coated cartons
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Tanglers like hoses or cords
- ✕Yard waste
Yard Waste Bin
Small yard waste can go in the green garbage cart. Larger yard debris should be scheduled via the Bulky Appointment System or dropped off at the Norwood Trash and Recycling Center.
Accepted Items
- ✓Tree branches (under 5 feet long for bulky)
- ✓Palm fronds
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By appointment only (2 times per year)
Placement
Schedule online or via the app first. Place items at the curb no more than 3 days before your appointment, and by 7 a.m. on the collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Rolled carpets
- ✓ White goods (appliances, doors removed)
- ✓ Yard trash and tree limbs (under 5 feet long)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
- ✕ Car parts
- ✕ Contractor-generated construction debris (over 3 cubic yards)
- ✕ Commercial waste
Included in the annual non-ad valorem assessment for 2 pickups up to 25 cubic yards. Exceeding limits will consume your next pickup or require private hauler fees.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The Miami-Dade Department of Solid Waste Management operates normally on most holidays, except for MLK Jr. Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day. On these three days, there is no collection.
Yard Waste Exception
Bulky waste appointments and Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Centers are also closed or suspended on these three specific holidays.
Because garbage is collected twice a week, if your pickup falls on one of the three observed holidays, your next collection will simply be on your next regularly scheduled service day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June to NovemberOnce a hurricane watch or warning is issued, Miami-Dade County suspends all bulky waste scheduling. Bring all green and blue carts indoors or secure them tightly to prevent them from becoming dangerous wind-borne projectiles.
Tropical Summer Rain
May to OctoberFrequent South Florida downpours can fill an open trash cart with water, making it too heavy for the collection trucks to lift. Always keep the lids completely closed to keep the rain out and reduce mosquito breeding.
Holiday Season Volumes
December to JanuaryWith extra packaging from the holidays, break down all cardboard boxes so they fit loosely in your blue cart. Clean, decoration-free Christmas trees can be dropped off for mulching at designated county Trash and Recycling Centers after Christmas.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Cans and Bottles into Cash Around Miami Gardens?
Hey neighbor! While Florida doesn't have a statewide bottle deposit program like some other places, you might still find folks looking to buy back certain metals or aluminum cans if you gather a good amount. Keep an eye out for local scrap yards in the broader Miami-Dade area that might take materials like aluminum. Your best bet for specific buyback locations and current rates is often to give a call to scrap metal dealers in the surrounding areas of Miami Gardens. It's a great way to get a little extra cash while doing good for the environment!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Miami Gardens
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! There are usually several places nearby that would happily take your usable goods. Look into organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStores, which often accept furniture, building materials, and appliances, and then sell them to fund their projects. Checking out local thrift stores in the Miami Gardens area or neighboring communities can also be a fantastic way to help others and keep items out of the landfill.
Keeping Our Streets Clean: Miami Gardens' Clean-Up Scene
Let's talk about keeping Miami Gardens looking its best! While the city doesn't always advertise frequent big community clean-up days, keeping an eye on the City of Miami Gardens' official website or local community bulletin boards is your best bet to find out about any upcoming events. If you ever see illegally dumped trash, don't hesitate to report it. You can usually call the city's solid waste department or use their online reporting system if they have one. They're usually keen to address it and keep our neighborhoods looking great for everyone.
Drop-off Facilities
Norwood Trash and Recycling Center
19901 NW 7th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33169
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How does bulk trash pickup work in Miami Gardens?
Because Miami Gardens uses Miami-Dade County's waste services, bulky waste is collected strictly by appointment. Residents get two 25-cubic-yard pickups annually. You must schedule your pickup online, via the MDC Solid Waste App, or by calling 311 before placing any debris at the curb.
Which holidays disrupt trash pickup in Miami Gardens?
Miami-Dade County only suspends garbage and recycling collection on three holidays: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day. On all other holidays, including Thanksgiving and Memorial Day, you should place your carts out as normal.
Can I get a replacement garbage bin if mine breaks?
Yes. If your green trash cart or blue recycling cart is damaged during normal collection, Miami-Dade County will repair or replace it for free. You can request a replacement by calling 311 or submitting a request online. Note that a $50 fee applies if the damage was due to misuse.
Where can I drop off extra trash if I miss my collection day?
Miami Gardens residents can utilize the Norwood Trash and Recycling Center, conveniently located at 19901 NW 7th Avenue. It is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and accepts yard waste, bulky items, and standard recyclables.