Trash, Trash, Trash

Chances are, if you’re familiar with the Miami-Dade Department of Solid Waste Management, it’s simply as “the trash collectors.” That’s certainly true, but you may not be familiar with the full range of services offered by Miami’s waste professionals. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the basics of trash collection, recycling and other waste issues affecting Miami residents.

First, if you’re new to the area or have recently moved to a new home, it’s important to know that the county is only responsible for trash pickup in unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County and in the cities of Doral, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Sunny Isles and Sweetwater. If you live in another area, your trash pickup is handled by your local municipality. (In the City of Miami, it’s handled by the City Department of Solid Waste.) Residents of those areas receive trash pickup twice a week and recycling pickup once a week. Unfortunately, it’s not currently possible to look up your specific collection days online. Your best bet is to either ask a neighbor or contact the department at (305) 594-1500.

Residents in the DSWM pickup areas are also entitled to receive one bulky waste pickup each fiscal year (October 1 – September 30). Each pickup may consist of up to 50 cubic yards and you may schedule this pickup online.

If you need to drop off large quantites of trash and you live within DSWM’s coverage area, you may visit one of the county’s 14 neighborhood trash and recycling centers. These centers are open daily from 7:00AM to 5:30PM except for holidays and are located at:

• 21500 NW 47th Ave in North Dade
• 19901 NW 7th Ave in Norwood
• 17600 NW 78th Place in Palm Springs North
• 16300 NW 42nd Ave in Miami Gardens
• 140 NW 160th St in Golden Glades
• 1830 NW 79th St in West Little River
• 2200 SW 117th Ave in Snapper Creek
• 8000 SW 107th Ave in Sunset/Kendall
• 13600 SW 60th Ave in Chapman Field
• 14050 Boggs Drive in Richmond Heights
• 16651 SW 107th Ave in West Perrine
• 9401 SW 184th Street on Eureka Drive
• 20800 SW 117th Court in South Miami Heights
• 12970 SW 268th Street on Moody Drive

The county also recently opened a home chemical and electronics recycling center located at 8831 NW 58th Street. This center is open on Wednesdays from 9:00AM to noon and 1:00PM-4:00PM and on Saturdays from 8:30AM to noon and 12:30PM to 5:00PM.