Landfills & Dumps in Florida

Florida's solid waste management is regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under Chapter 62-701 of the Florida Administrative Code. With over 22 million residents plus millions of annual visitors, the state operates an extensive network of landfills, transfer stations, and recycling facilities designed to handle enormous volumes of waste while protecting Florida's sensitive aquifer and coastal ecosystems.

Disposal fees across Florida typically range from $35-60 per ton at county landfills, though rates vary significantly by jurisdiction. Many counties offer reduced rates for residents with proof of residency, while commercial haulers pay standard tipping fees. Several Florida counties have implemented flow control ordinances directing waste to specific facilities, so commercial customers should verify approved disposal locations before hauling.

Florida law requires counties to implement recycling programs, and most have single-stream curbside collection for common recyclables including paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals. The state has set aggressive recycling goals and tracks county progress toward diversion targets. Many transfer stations and landfills maintain drop-off areas for recyclables, including materials not accepted in curbside programs like scrap metal and appliances.

Hurricane debris management is a critical function of Florida's waste system, with facilities maintaining emergency response plans and surge capacity for storm cleanup. Special waste categories include yard waste (often processed into mulch at dedicated facilities), electronics (collected through E-Scrap programs), tires (regulated under DEP's Used Tire Program), and household hazardous waste (collected at permanent facilities and periodic community events). Medical waste and asbestos require disposal at specially permitted facilities.

Given Florida's unique environmental challenges including high water tables and hurricane exposure, proper waste disposal is especially important. Before visiting any facility, verify current fees, accepted materials, and operating hours, as these often change seasonally with tourist population fluctuations. The Florida DEP website provides a directory of permitted solid waste facilities, and most county governments maintain local disposal guides for residents.