Garbage and bulk trash – who picks it up?
By James Watts, Director of Public Works

The information included in this article is intended for residents living in single-family homes to help you understand who provides your garbage collection services, when garbage pick ups occur, and how to manage your garbage and trash collection better. You can
find more information under Frequently asked questions (FAQs) at the end of this article.

Single-Family Homes
Miami-Dade County’s Department of Solid Waste Management provides garbage and bulk trash collection service to the single-family homes in Sunny Isles Beach. This covers both single-family residential areas of the City – Golden Shores and Atlantic Isles.

Garbage pick up schedule
For single-family homes the County picks up garbage twice a week – on Mondays and Thursdays.

On collection days the resident must wheel the container to the curb by 7:00 a.m.

After the collection, the resident must return the cart to its storage place.

Waste is picked up on all holidays except: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Independence Day (July 4th); and Christmas Day (December 25th).

Automated garbage collection
During 2005 the County instituted an automated garbage collection system in Sunny Isles Beach. This collection system requires a special vehicle and EZ Go Waste Carts, which are provided by the County free of charge.

Residents of single-family homes must use these EZ Go Waste Carts. The County requires that all garbage be inside the cart and that the cart be placed in the swale next to the roadway. Garbage and trash not containerized will not be collected.

The large EZ Go Waste Cart will hold approximately 3 to 5 bags of garbage, and has wheels making it easy to roll to the curb.

If you don’t have an EZ Go Waste Cart, or you want another one, or you want a smaller one, you can order it online through www.miamidade.gov, or by calling 305.594.1500.

One large bulky item or white good is allowed on every second pickup day of the week.

Bulk trash
Each household is allowed two large trash pickups per year, which cannot be more than twenty-five cubic yards. These bulk pickups must be scheduled with the County by the resident.

You can schedule a bulk trash pickup online through www.miamidade.gov, or by calling 305.594.1500.

The refuse must not be left out before 24 hours ahead of the scheduled pickup time. Bulky waste is not allowed on the swale prior to obtaining a pickup confirmation. The County will respond in ten to thirty days.

Prepare for the hurricane season
Prior to hurricane season, plan large landscaping cleanups and tree pruning to coincide with scheduled pickups. Check with the County’s Department of Waste Management to see what can be included in your regular garbage pick up, and what is considered a bulk trash pick up.

Trash caused by hurricanes
The Public Works Department of the City of Sunny Isles Beach is responsible for removing debris deposited by a hurricane.

FAQs
Note: The following information is copied from Miami-Dade County’s website: www.miamidade.gov where you can find even more information.

What is automated garbage collection?
Automated collection is a system of residential garbage and trash collection that requires a special vehicle and cart. The vehicle is equipped with a lifting mechanism that reaches out to the EZ Go Waste Cart, lifts, empties the contents and returns the cart to its original position.

The driver controls the entire process from the cab of the vehicle and does not leave the vehicle. After the collection, the resident is responsible for returning the EZ Go Waste Cart to its storage place.

What can I put in the EZ Go Waste Cart?
You can place household garbage and trash including yard trimmings such as grass and leaves. All garbage and trash must put inside of the EZ Go Waste Cart and the lid must be closed. Items must not be stacked on the top of the EZ Go Waste Cart or along side of the cart. To keep your EZ Go Waste Cart clean, we encourage you to place all garbage in plastic bags and rinse out your cart as needed.

What does not go into the EZ Go Waste Carts?
NO Rocks - NO Dirt - NO Construction Debris - NO Flammable Materials

Where do I place my EZ Go Waste Cart on collection day?
Place your EZ Go Waste Cart within 3 feet of the street and at least 5 feet from mailboxes, parked cars, poles or other obstacles. The wheels of the cart must face your home. After collection, return the EZ Go Waste Cart to its storage place.

When do I place my EZ Go Waste Cart on the curb?
The EZ Go Waste Carts must be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on your regular collection day.

May I use a container other than the EZ Go Waste Cart provided by the County?
Residents receiving automated garbage collection service may not use garbage cans other than the County issued EZ Go Waste Cart.

What if I need additional EZ Go Waste Carts?
Most residents will not require more than one 96-gallon EZ Go Waste Cart. However, you may request an additional cart by calling us at 305-594-1500, or by downloading and completing the EZ Cart Order Form and faxing it to 305-514-6219. Additional carts will be provided at a cost of $50 per cart.

What if my EZ Go Waste Cart becomes damaged?
If the cart is damaged in the collection process, the County will repair or replace your EZ Go Cart free of charge. If the cart is damage due to neglect, abuse, mutilation, or modification, you will be responsible for purchasing a replacement cart.

What if my EZ Go Waste Cart is stolen?
You must report the theft to the Police Department. The County will replace a stolen cart free of charge, if you provide a police case number.

How do I identify my EZ Go Waste Cart?
Each EZ Go Cart has a serial number that is located on the front side of the cart and is registered with the property address. We suggest that you keep this number with your household records. Do not paint your name or address on the EZ Go Waste Cart.

What happens if I move?
The EZ Go Waste Cart is the property of the County. It must remain with the house for the use by the next resident.

What if I cannot roll the EZ Go Waste Cart to the curb?
If you are disabled or have a handicap and cannot move your EZ Go Waste Cart to the curb, you may apply for special assistance waste collection service.

Condominiums & Apartments
The owners of apartments, condominiums and hotels hire private cartage companies to pick-up their trash.
If there is something you don’t understand, please feel free to call the City’s Public Works Department at 305.792.1711.
If you have questions regarding garbage collection and bulk trash pick up, direct your questions to the County’s Department of Waste Management at 305.594.1500.

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