Miami-Dade Solid Waste Management urges residents to prepare early to minimize hurricane debris

With the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season underway, the Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) is calling on residents to clear potential storm debris from their properties to protect homes, neighborhoods, and emergency response routes.

Unsecured items and excess vegetation can become dangerous projectiles in high winds, block streets, and significantly slow recovery efforts. Acting early helps keep collection routes clear and reduces the burden on DSWM operations after a storm.

Key Preparation Steps:

Secure or Dispose of Potential Projectiles 
Remove or properly secure outdoor items that can become airborne. DSWM customers may dispose of the following items at any of the 13 Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Center (TRC):

• Household trash
• Small amounts of construction debris (up to three cubic yards per day)
• Wooden/ chain linked fence (up to three cubic yards per day)
• Tree and yard cuttings
• Up to 4 tires per visit

Accepted items vary by location.  For hours of operation, disposal limits, eligibility requirements and a full list of accepted materials, visit the Trash and Recycling Centers webpage.

Landfill Access 
Non-DSWM customers may dispose of items for a fee at one of the County’s two landfills. The landfills are also available for permitted private haulers, municipal waste haulers, and licensed landscapers.  For more information, visit the DSWM Landfills webpage.

Vegetation and Bulky Waste 
Well-maintained trees and shrubs are better able to withstand high winds. Trim trees early to reduce wind resistance and limb breakage. Residents in the DSWM waste service area are eligible for two bulky waste pickups per year (up to 25 cubic yards each). For public safety, debris should not be placed at the curb once a Hurricane Watch or Warning is issued, as it can block drainage and endanger public safety.  Customers may download the DSWM mobile app, available on ‎iOS and Android, to schedule a bulky waste pickup.  Pickup requests can also be submitted online or by calling 311. 

Household Hazardous Waste 
Store paints, pesticides, pool chemicals, and other hazardous materials in elevated, waterproof locations. Never place them at the curb. Dispose of them safely at a DSWM Home Chemical Collection Center to avoid environmental contamination during flooding.  Residents can learn which household hazardous materials are accepted for disposal by visiting DSWM Home Chemical Collection Centers online.

Mosquito Prevention 
Eliminate standing water in buckets, barrels, plant saucers, gutters, and tree stumps to prevent mosquito breeding after heavy rains. For additional guidance, visit Miami-Dade County Mosquito Control. 

Additional Resources
Watch a pre-recorded session from the #LearnwithDSWM webinar series on DSWM’s Facebook page.  Additional hurricane preparedness tips are available on DSWM’s Instagram and Facebook channels, as well as on the Department’s website.