Junk Disposal Methods

Junk disposal in Fort Lauderdale is managed by the City’s Public Works Department in partnership with Broward County Waste and Recycling Services. Residents, contractors, and property managers can dispose of unwanted materials through municipal collection, private junk removal, recycling drop-offs, donation networks, roll-off dumpster rentals, and landfill facilities.

Each method addresses a specific use case based on item type, load size, and environmental regulations. Curbside collection covers everyday residential trash and bulk items. Private haulers and dumpsters assist with large-scale cleanouts or renovation debris. Recycling centers sort eligible materials by type. Donations repurpose usable items. Broward County’s disposal centers accept final loads that do not contain prohibited or hazardous waste.

Hazardous items—including paint, oil, electronics, batteries, and refrigerants—require proper handling at designated Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection sites. Using the correct disposal path prevents legal violations, environmental harm, and health hazards.

Common Methods for Junk Disposal in Fort Lauderdale

1. Municipal Waste Collection

The City of Fort Lauderdale provides curbside garbage, recycling, yard waste, and bulk waste pickup for single-family homes and select multi-family residences.

Bulk pickup occurs monthly and includes furniture, appliances (with refrigerants removed), and other large items. Prohibited curbside items include tires, electronics, hazardous liquids, and paint.

Public Works 24-Hour Customer Service: 954-828-8000

fortlauderdale.gov/waste

2. Private Junk Removal Services

Private junk haulers offer scheduled pickups for residents and businesses needing fast, full-service disposal. These services are often used during remodels, evictions, or estate cleanouts.

Pricing depends on load size, labor, and sorting requirements. Many services separate recyclable or donatable items before final disposal.

3. Recycling Centers and Drop-Off Locations

The City of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County operate multiple recycling drop-off centers. Acceptable materials include paper, cardboard, aluminum, plastics #1–#7, and glass.

Electronics, batteries, and hazardous materials must be taken to HHW drop-off locations, not recycling centers.

Broward County Central Drop-Off Center

5601 W Hallandale Beach Blvd, West Park, FL 33023

Sat Only: 9 AM – 3 PM

4. Donation and Reuse Programs

Reusable items such as furniture, electronics, kitchenware, and gently worn clothing can be donated to:

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Fort Lauderdale

Goodwill South Florida

The Salvation Army Broward County

Donation centers require that items be in good working condition and free from damage. Pickup services may be available for large furniture.

5. DIY Disposal and Landfill Visits

Residents can haul their own junk to the Broward County North or Central Trash Transfer Stations. These sites accept non-hazardous residential waste, construction debris, and small business loads.

Central Residential Drop-Off Center

5601 W Hallandale Beach Blvd, West Park, FL 33023

Sat : 9 AM – 3 PM

Valid photo ID and proof of Broward County residency are required. Tires, appliances with Freon, or hazardous waste will be turned away unless taken to HHW facilities.

6. Roll-Off Dumpster Rental

Elgin’s Dumpsters offers roll-off container rentals in Fort Lauderdale ranging from 10 to 40 cubic yards. These are ideal for demolition, roofing, cleanouts, and remodeling projects. Containers are delivered and picked up based on your schedule.

Prohibited in dumpsters:

Paint, oil, and other liquids

Electronics, batteries, and light bulbs

Refrigerated appliances

Medical or biological waste

Dumpster rental enables efficient junk collection and disposal while maintaining site safety and compliance with local waste regulations.

How to Dispose of Hazardous Junk in Fort Lauderdale

Hazardous junk must be disposed of at official Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off locations operated by Broward County. These items are banned from curbside collection, recycling bins, landfills, or roll-off dumpsters.

Hazardous waste includes:

Paints, varnishes, and thinners

Pesticides, fertilizers, and pool chemicals

Auto fluids: oil, gas, antifreeze

Fluorescent bulbs and mercury thermometers

Rechargeable and lithium-ion batteries

Electronics: TVs, printers, computers

Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners with Freon

Broward Central HHW Drop-Off

5601 W Hallandale Beach Blvd, West Park, FL 33023

Sat: 9 AM – 3 PM

Tel: 954-765-4999

broward.org/waste

Only residential quantities are accepted. Materials must be labeled and stored in sealed containers. Mixing liquids or transporting leaking chemicals is prohibited.

What Items Are Considered Hazardous?

Hazardous junk includes:

Paints, solvents, and aerosols

Motor oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid

Pesticides and chemical sprays

Car batteries and alkaline batteries

Electronics and devices with lithium cells

Freon-based appliances

Fort Lauderdale Regulations for Special Waste

Fort Lauderdale follows Broward County and Florida DEP guidelines for managing special waste. Items such as hazardous materials, electronics, medical waste, tires, and refrigerant-containing appliances are considered special waste and require regulated disposal.

Disposal requirements include:

Labeling all materials

Using sealed, non-leaking containers

Transporting to designated HHW facilities only

Never mixing materials or discarding in residential bins or roll-off dumpsters

Violations may result in:

Fines up to $5,000–$50,000 per day

Refusal of pickup or landfill access

Legal enforcement and environmental remediation orders

To verify compliance or request drop-off guidance, contact 954-765-4222 or visit broward.org/waste.

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