If you’re preparing for a yard cleanup project in Fort Lauderdale—whether it’s seasonal lawn care, hurricane debris removal, or a full landscape redesign—it’s important to understand how to dispose of yard waste the right way. From loose leaves and palm fronds to heavy branches, stumps, and yard soil, each material must be handled according to city regulations and environmental best practices.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to dispose of yard waste in Fort Lauderdale, including curbside collection rules, permitted drop-off facilities, composting tips, and when to consider renting a yard waste dumpster. Whether you’re a homeowner cleaning up your backyard or a landscaping pro managing a larger project, this resource helps you choose the most efficient, affordable, and compliant solution for managing green waste in Broward County.
What Qualifies as Yard Waste in Fort Lauderdale?
If you’re planning a yard cleanup in Fort Lauderdale, it’s important to understand what is officially recognized as yard waste under the city’s solid waste guidelines. Yard waste—also called green waste or vegetative debris—refers to natural, biodegradable material generated through regular landscaping, tree trimming, or storm cleanup.
The City of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County both specify what is considered acceptable yard debris versus materials that must be handled as bulky waste or construction debris. Sorting your yard waste properly helps ensure timely collection and prevents contamination penalties or rejected pickups.
Common Types of Yard Debris
Yard waste includes organic materials that come from normal lawn care and garden maintenance. The following items are typically accepted for curbside pickup or drop-off:
Leaves – Raked, bagged, or loose foliage from trees and shrubs.
Grass Clippings – Lawn trimmings from mowing, either fresh or dry.
Bush and Hedge Trimmings – Cuttings or entire shrubs with roots removed.
Small Tree Limbs and Branches – Generally accepted if under 4 feet in length and under 40 pounds.
Stumps and Logs (Small) – May be allowed at disposal sites if manageable and not overly dense.
Natural Mulch and Wood Chips – Untreated, clean wood materials only.
Dirt or Soil – Accepted in small amounts and only if free from contaminants or construction material.
Garden Waste and Vines – Includes weeds, seasonal plant matter, and non-invasive vines.
For larger branches, palm fronds, or hurricane debris, Fort Lauderdale may offer seasonal or emergency bulk pickup services. Always check the city’s sanitation calendar for updates.
What is NOT Yard Waste?
Some materials commonly found in yards may not qualify as yard waste in Fort Lauderdale. These should be handled separately through bulk pickup, construction waste disposal, or household trash collection:
Treated or Painted Wood – Includes fencing, decks, or chemically treated landscape timbers.
Plastic Bags and Pots – Nursery containers, garden trays, and plastic-wrapped bundles are not accepted as green waste.
Synthetic Ground Covers – Landscape fabric, artificial turf, and weed barriers are classified as bulk or trash.
Rocks, Bricks, and Gravel – Considered inert or C&D waste and must be hauled separately.
Outdoor Decor or Furniture – Benches, lights, statues, and other hardscape materials must go to bulk pickup.
Animal Waste or Food Scraps – These fall under household waste or compost and are not accepted in yard waste piles.
Mixed Debris Loads – Yard waste combined with trash, recyclables, or hazardous waste will not be collected and may result in a fine.
Properly separating yard debris helps streamline pickup, supports Fort Lauderdale’s green waste recycling program, and keeps your home in compliance with city code. If you’re unsure whether a material qualifies, contact the City of Fort Lauderdale Public Works Department for clarification.
5 Ways to Dispose of Yard Waste in Fort Lauderdale
Whether you’re trimming palms, removing storm debris, or clearing overgrown landscaping, knowing how to dispose of yard waste in Fort Lauderdale helps you stay compliant, efficient, and environmentally responsible. From city-run pickup programs to professional services, here are five practical and legal ways to get rid of yard debris in the Fort Lauderdale area.
1. Use Fort Lauderdale’s Curbside Yard Waste Collection Program
The City of Fort Lauderdale provides weekly curbside yard waste collection for residential customers. This service is ideal for routine yard care like trimming, mowing, and seasonal cleanup.
How it works:
Yard waste should be placed in paper lawn bags, reusable containers (up to 50 gallons), or bundled with natural twine.
Bundles must be under 4 feet long and weigh no more than 40 pounds.
Accepted items include leaves, grass clippings, small branches, and palm fronds.
Set debris curbside by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.
Tip: Yard waste placed in plastic bags will not be collected.
Confirm your pickup day: fortlauderdale.gov
2. Rent a Dumpster for Large-Scale Yard Projects
If you’re tackling a full property renovation, post-hurricane cleanup, or removing several trees, a dumpster rental is the most efficient way to dispose of yard waste in Fort Lauderdale.
Lowboy dumpsters are perfect for:
Oversized logs and bulky tree limbs
Soil, mulch, and sod
Bushes, hedges, and root balls
Mixed vegetative debris
Recommended service:
Bin There Dump That Southeast Florida Dumpster Rentals
Tel: 954-391-9975
Elgins Dumpsters Fort Lauderdale
Tel: (954) 338-4406
What Yard Waste Cannot Be Thrown in a Roll-Off Dumpster?
Not everything qualifies for dumpster disposal under Fort Lauderdale guidelines. Here’s what to avoid:
🚫 Treated or Painted Wood
Chemically treated lumber, fences, and painted deck boards must go to a construction debris site—not with green waste.
🚫 Bulk Dirt or Sand
Excess soil may exceed dumpster weight limits. Always pre-approve large dirt loads with your rental provider.
🚫 Hazardous Waste
Pesticides, herbicides, fuel, or any chemical containers are banned and must be taken to a hazardous waste facility.
🚫 Large Tree Stumps
Oversized stumps can damage dumpsters and may require special pickup or stump grinding.
🚫 Concrete, Rocks, and Pavers
These are not yard waste and need to be handled as construction debris.
✅ Always ask your provider what’s allowed before loading.
3. Compost Your Organic Yard Waste
Looking for a sustainable solution for how to dispose of yard waste in Fort Lauderdale? Composting is an eco-friendly option that turns debris into nutrient-rich soil.
Great compost materials:
Grass clippings and dried leaves
Shrub trimmings and plant cuttings
Garden waste and non-invasive weeds
Small wood chips and mulch
Start your own compost pile at home or check for local composting events or community garden programs.
4. Drop Off at a Broward County Yard Waste Site
Fort Lauderdale residents can drop off yard debris at Broward County’s designated green waste recycling or disposal locations.
Typically accepted:
Branches, brush, logs
Leaves and clippings
Bushes and hedge trimmings
Small amounts of soil or mulch
Broward County Central Disposal Facility
2380 College Ave, Davie, FL 33317
Tel: 561-202-2076
https://www.wm.com/us/en/location/fl/davie
Call ahead to verify fees, hours, and acceptable materials.
5. Hire a Yard Waste Removal or Landscaping Crew
If you’re dealing with overgrown vegetation, massive cleanup, or storm damage, professional yard waste removal services can save you time and heavy lifting.
Best for:
Stump and large log removal
Full landscape clearing
Property flips or move-outs
HOA or commercial landscape management
This is the most expensive method, but the fastest for large jobs.
How to Dispose of Specific Types of Yard Waste in Fort Lauderdale
Different types of yard waste in Fort Lauderdale must be handled in specific ways to stay in compliance with local collection policies and ensure your debris is properly processed. Whether you’re managing seasonal landscaping or recovering from a storm, here’s how to dispose of yard waste depending on the material.
Leaves and Lawn Clippings
How to dispose of:
Grass clippings and fallen leaves are among the easiest yard waste types to handle in Fort Lauderdale.
Disposal options:
Place them loose in a container labeled “Yard Waste” or bag them in paper lawn bags (plastic is not accepted).
Set out at the curb on your designated yard waste collection day.
Mulch in place: Let grass clippings decompose on the lawn to enrich your soil.
Compost at home or drop off at a local composting site if available.
Avoid:
Using plastic bags. Waste Management and city crews will not collect yard waste in plastic.
Tree Branches and Limbs
How to dispose of:
Storm debris and palm fronds are common in Fort Lauderdale and must be bundled to be accepted curbside.
Disposal options:
Cut limbs to 6 feet or shorter and bundle with string or twine (no metal ties).
Limit bundles to 50 pounds or less.
Use bulk pickup for large quantities or long limbs.
Rent a dumpster for major cleanouts or tree removals.
Drop off at the Broward County Residential Trash and Recycling Drop-Off Centers (for eligible residents).
Pro tip:
Do not mix palm fronds or branches with non-organic materials.
Tree Stumps and Large Logs
How to dispose of:
Heavy yard debris like stumps and logs can’t go in your regular trash and aren’t accepted curbside.
Disposal options:
Hire a tree service for stump grinding and log removal.
Use a Lowboy dumpster for heavy organic loads.
Transport small stumps to an authorized disposal facility that accepts vegetative debris.
Note:
Large stumps may fall under construction and demolition (C&D) waste, requiring special handling and tipping fees.
Dirt, Soil, and Mulch
How to dispose of:
Due to weight and potential contamination, soil and mulch are not eligible for regular yard waste collection.
Disposal options:
Spread it on your property if clean.
Share clean soil or mulch through local swap groups or online marketplaces.
Schedule a dumpster rental for major landscaping jobs.
Drop off at approved fill dirt or C&D sites (call ahead for requirements).
Caution:
Dirt that contains rocks, trash, or construction debris may result in extra disposal charges.
Bushes, Hedges, and Shrubs
How to dispose of:
Removing hedges and woody plants? Trim and sort them correctly to meet Fort Lauderdale’s yard waste guidelines.
Disposal options:
Cut into manageable pieces (under 6 feet and 50 lbs per bundle).
Shake off excess dirt from roots before bundling.
Compost soft trimmings if possible.
Schedule a special pickup or use a rental dumpster for bulk quantities.
Drop off at a Broward County green waste site (for residents with proof of address).
Fort Lauderdale Yard Waste Regulations and Guidelines
To keep Fort Lauderdale clean, compliant, and environmentally responsible, the city has established specific rules for how to dispose of yard waste properly. Whether you’re bundling palm fronds or clearing post-storm debris, it’s crucial to follow these local standards to avoid fines, service delays, or improper disposal.
Key Yard Waste Rules in Fort Lauderdale
Collection Frequency: Yard waste is collected once a week for single-family homes and eligible multifamily units (3 units or fewer). Make sure your yard debris is placed curbside by 7 a.m. on your scheduled service day and no earlier than 24 hours in advance.
Approved Containers:
Use the provided 90-gallon yard waste cart for routine clippings, leaves, and branches.
Do not use plastic bags—loose debris must go inside the official cart or be bundled neatly if oversized.
Paper lawn bags may be used for overflow if your cart is full.
Size & Weight Limits:
Branches should be trimmed to under 4 feet long and less than 40 pounds per bundle.
Do not overfill your yard waste cart—lid must close completely.
Bundles placed outside the cart must be tied with twine or string.
Acceptable Yard Waste Materials:
Loose or bagged leaves
Grass clippings and weeds
Palm fronds and small branches
Hedge trimmings and soft organics
Mulch and untreated wood chips
Items Not Considered Yard Waste:
Large stumps, logs, and dirt (must be scheduled for bulk pickup or self-hauled)
Treated or painted lumber and fencing
Landscape fabric, artificial turf, and synthetic mulch
Construction and demolition debris like concrete or pavers
Plastic nursery pots or garbage bags containing debris
Handling Bulk Volumes or Oversized Debris:
If your load exceeds what fits in the cart or typical bundle sizes, schedule a bulk trash pickup through the City of Fort Lauderdale’s sanitation department.
Alternatively, consider a dumpster rental for extensive landscape or storm cleanup projects.
Storm Debris Guidelines:
After a hurricane or major storm, the city typically conducts separate collection rounds for green debris.
Keep vegetative debris separated from other trash and place it curbside in organized piles—not in the roadway or near storm drains.
Illegal Dumping Penalties: Dumping yard waste on vacant lots, sidewalks, or near stormwater infrastructure is prohibited and may lead to code enforcement penalties and fines.
Where to Get More Info or Report Issues
City of Fort Lauderdale – Solid Waste & Recycling Division
101 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 1400, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Website: fortlauderdale.gov
Phone: 954-828-8000
Broward County Waste and Recycling Services
5490 Reese Rd, Davie, FL 33314
https://www.broward.org/WasteAndRecycling
Phone: 954-765-4999
Following Fort Lauderdale’s yard waste disposal guidelines not only ensures reliable pickup—it also protects local ecosystems and keeps our neighborhoods looking their best. Always check with your local hauler or city department if you’re unsure about what can be collected.