Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Princeton
Trash Day
Trash is collected twice weekly (commonly Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday depending on your specific address zone).
Recycling
Recycling is collected once every two weeks on your designated pickup day.
Yard Waste
Small yard trimmings can be bagged inside your green trash cart on regular collection days. Large yard waste is collected via 2 free scheduled bulky waste pickups per year (up to 25 cubic yards each) or can be dropped off at county Trash and Recycling Centers.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Solid waste and recycling collection fees are billed once annually as a non-ad valorem assessment directly on your Miami-Dade County property tax bill.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Property Tax Escrow, Online, Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
No specific discounts listed. Eligible disabled residents who are unable to bring carts to the curb can apply for free special assistance service by calling 311.
Green Cart Bin (Trash)
Bag all household garbage and small yard waste before placing it in the green cart. Place the cart within 3 feet of the street and at least 5 feet from mailboxes or cars by 7 a.m. on pickup day. Wheels must face your home.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Bagged grass clippings
- ✓Bagged leaves and small yard trimmings
Blue Cart Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag recyclables; place them loose in the blue cart. Keep the cart lid completely closed to prevent windblown litter.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cleaned aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (#1 and #2)
- ✓Newspapers, magazines, and junk mail
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Office paper and cereal boxes
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Glass bottles (often rejected; verify local zone rules)
- ✕Food-contaminated pizza boxes
- ✕Batteries and electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Small yard clippings must be bagged and placed inside the green waste cart. Larger tree cuttings (up to 5 feet) require scheduling a bulky waste pickup or a trip to the Moody Drive Trash and Recycling Center.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings (bagged)
- ✓Leaves (bagged)
- ✓Small twigs (bagged)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
2 pickups per calendar year (up to 25 cubic yards each)
Placement
Place items curbside no earlier than 3 days prior and no later than 7 a.m. on the day of your appointment. Keep piles away from trees, parked cars, and low-hanging wires.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and rolled carpets
- ✓ Mattresses (MUST be completely sealed in a plastic bag/sleeve)
- ✓ Large tree limbs (up to 5 feet long)
- ✓ Appliances (refrigerators, washers, etc.)
- ✓ Wooden fencing (up to 3 cubic yards)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Contractor generated debris
- ✕ Automobile parts and tires
- ✕ Hazardous waste and paint
- ✕ Dirt, rock, or concrete
- ✕ Tree removal/land clearing debris
The two annual pickups are included in your tax bill. Exceeding your cubic yard limit, setting out unbagged mattresses, or placing items without an appointment can result in a $100 civil violation fine or overage fees.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Waste collection is only suspended on these three specific holidays. For all other holidays, including Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, regular collection occurs as usual.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste is treated as regular garbage and follows the exact same holiday schedule.
If your regular service day falls on MLK Jr. Day, July 4th, or Christmas Day, your collection will resume on your next regularly scheduled pickup day (e.g., if Monday is skipped, you wait until Thursday).
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June - NovemberDuring a tropical storm or hurricane watch, suspend all yard trimming and do not place bulky waste at the curb. High winds can turn loose debris and empty bins into dangerous projectiles. Secure your green and blue carts indoors.
Post-Holiday Cleanup
JanuaryDo not place whole Christmas trees inside your green cart. Instead, take advantage of the county's specialized Christmas tree recycling drop-offs at nearby TRCs, or schedule a bulky waste pickup using your annual allotment.
Spring Cleaning
March - MaySpring is the busiest time for the county's bulky appointment system. Schedule your 25-cubic-yard pickup well in advance via the MDC Solid Waste app, as wait times can increase significantly during these months.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash for Your Cans? Where Princeton Pockets Green for Recyclables
While Princeton's curbside recycling is super handy for everyday items, did you know you can sometimes turn those bottles and cans into actual cash? In Florida, there used to be a state program that paid back deposits on certain beverage containers. Even if that's changed, keeping an eye out for local scrap metal yards or even specialized recycling centers in the broader Miami-Dade County area might be worth your while. Think old aluminum rims, copper wiring, or even scrap steel – these places often pay by weight. It's a good way to clear out the garage and make a few bucks doing it!
Giving Old Stuff a New Life in Princeton: Donation Destinations
Before you toss out gently used furniture, clothing, or household goods, consider giving them a second chance! For our Princeton neighbors, checking out places like Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations in nearby areas can be a fantastic option. They accept a wide range of items and the proceeds help build homes in the community. Also, local churches or community centers often run donation drives or have their own thrift shops where your unwanted items can find a new home and help others right here in our South Florida region.
Keeping Princeton Pretty: Tackling Dumped Trash and Community Clean-Ups
Nobody likes seeing trash illegally dumped around our beautiful Princeton area. If you ever spot a pile of unwanted items in a less-than-ideal spot, report it! You can usually call the county or city public works department. For Princeton, it's good to know that Miami-Dade County has specific hotlines for reporting illegal dumping, which helps them keep our streets and natural areas clean. Plus, keep an ear out for community clean-up events that pop up; these are awesome opportunities to pitch in and make Princeton an even better place to live.
Drop-off Facilities
Moody Drive Trash and Recycling Center
12970 SW 268th St, Homestead, FL 33032
Materials Accepted
South Dade Home Chemical Collection Center
3707 S.W. 97th Ave., Gate B, Miami, FL
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a bulky waste pickup in Princeton?
Since Princeton is serviced by Miami-Dade County, you can schedule your bulk pickup by calling 311, dialing 305-468-5900, using the MDC Solid Waste app, or booking via the county's online Bulky Appointment System. You are allotted two 25-cubic-yard pickups per year.
Why wasn't my mattress collected during bulk pickup?
Miami-Dade County requires that all mattresses placed at the curb be fully encased in a plastic mattress bag or sleeve and sealed shut with weather-resistant tape to prevent the spread of bedbugs. Unsealed mattresses will not be collected and may result in a fine.
Where should I put my grass clippings and yard waste?
Unlike some cities with separate yard waste programs, Miami-Dade requires you to bag your grass clippings, leaves, and small yard trimmings and place them directly into your green garbage cart alongside your regular household trash.
Will my garbage be picked up on Thanksgiving Day in Princeton?
Yes. The Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management only suspends service on three holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Independence Day (July 4th), and Christmas Day. On Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, and all other holidays, service operates normally.