Yard Waste Removal in Southwest Florida
Palm fronds, tree trimmings, sod, and landscaping debris — cleared fast across Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties.
What Counts as Yard Waste in SW Florida?
Yard waste — also called green waste or vegetative debris — includes anything that grows in your yard: palm fronds, tree branches, shrub trimmings, grass clippings, sod, leaves, vines, and small stumps. In Southwest Florida, it piles up fast. Tropical growth rates, year-round landscaping seasons, and hurricane-season storms mean most homeowners generate more green debris than a standard curbside pickup handles.
If your pile exceeds curbside limits, it’s too heavy to move yourself, or it needs to go today rather than next week — professional yard waste removal gets it cleared without the bundling, the weight restrictions, or the dump runs.
Common Yard Waste We Clear
From a single palm tree trim to a full yard overhaul — if it grew in your yard, it can go.
Palm Fronds & Coconuts
Royal palms, sabal palms, coconut palms — fronds, boots, and fallen coconuts cleared from yards, roofs, and driveways.
Tree Branches & Limbs
Storm-downed branches, trimmed limbs, and small logs up to 6″ diameter. Larger trees may need a tree service first.
Shrub & Hedge Trimmings
Clippings from ficus hedges, bougainvillea, sea grape, and other SW Florida landscaping staples.
Grass, Sod & Thatch
Old sod removal, grass clippings, and thatch buildup from St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bahia lawns.
Leaves, Vines & Ground Cover
Fallen leaves, dead vines, ivy, and invasive ground cover pulled during yard restoration.
Small Stumps & Root Balls
Stumps under 12″ diameter, root balls from removed shrubs, and landscape timbers.
Yard Waste Removal Cost in SW Florida
Yard waste removal pricing depends on volume, weight, and access. Here’s what to expect across Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties:
| Job Size | Typical Cost | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Small load (few bags / single item) | $75–$150 | A pile of hedge clippings, a few palm fronds |
| Quarter-truck load | $150–$300 | Weekend landscaping cleanup |
| Half-truck load | $300–$500 | Major hedge or tree trimming aftermath |
| Full truck / multi-load | $500–$1,000+ | Full yard overhaul, post-storm cleanup |
What affects the price:
- Volume is the primary driver — a pickup-truck load costs less than a full dump-trailer load.
- Weight: Wet or soil-heavy debris (sod, root balls, waterlogged fronds) costs more per load.
- Access: Backyard-only with no gate access adds a labor surcharge for carrying debris out.
- Timing: Same-day service may carry a premium. Scheduling 2–3 days out often saves 10–15%.
You’ll always get a firm, all-in quote before any work starts — no surprises when the truck arrives.
Lee County & Fort Myers Yard Waste Rules (2026)
Curbside yard waste collection is included in your municipal taxes — but the rules vary by jurisdiction, and exceeding limits means your pile sits until next week. Here’s the current breakdown:
Lee County (Unincorporated — Lehigh Acres, San Carlos Park, Gateway, Estero)
- Collection: Weekly curbside by your contracted hauler (Waste Pro in most areas).
- Preparation: Bundles must be 50 lbs or less and 6 feet or shorter. Loose clippings in cans or bags, also max 50 lbs each.
- Limits: Up to 6 bundles or bags per pickup. Beyond that, schedule a special pickup or haul it to the Buckingham Rd landfill yourself ($41/ton for vegetative waste, $10 minimum).
- Set-out time: 5:00 AM as of May 2026 (changed from 6:30 AM for summer heat). Items out no earlier than the evening before collection day.
- Pro tip: Lee County’s “Don’t Bag It” program — loose yard waste is shredded into mulch at the OrganicLee composting facility. Plastic bags slow the process and contaminate compost.
City of Fort Myers
- Weekly collection by the City’s solid waste division. Branches must be cut to 4 feet long, 4 inches diameter max (stricter than the county).
- Piles up to 10 cubic yards are free; larger piles trigger an extra fee from your hauler.
- Optional $2.75/month yard waste cart available.
- Set-out no earlier than 5:00 PM the day before.
City of Cape Coral
- Waste Pro handles weekly collection. Bundles max 4 ft × 2 ft diameter, 50 lbs. Palm fronds must be trimmed to 4 ft.
Collier County (Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs)
- Waste Management handles most areas. Similar size/weight rules. Storm season frequently delays pickups.
When Curbside Isn’t Enough
After a landscaping project, storm, or property clearing, curbside limits don’t cover the volume. That’s where professional yard waste removal fills the gap — no bundling, no weight limits, no waiting for next week’s truck. Everything cleared in a single visit.
DIY vs. Professional Yard Waste Removal
| Option | Cost | Best For | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curbside pickup (free) | $0 | Small weekly volumes | 6 bundles, 50 lbs each, must be cut to size |
| Self-haul to landfill | $10–$50+ | Medium loads if you have a truck/trailer | $41/ton tipping fee, open Mon–Sat |
| Professional removal | $75–$1,000+ | Large volumes, no truck, backyard access, same-day need | None — we take everything in one visit |
Rule of thumb: If it fits in 6 bags/bundles and you can wait until pickup day, curbside works fine. If the pile is bigger, heavier, or you need it gone now — professional removal pays for itself in time and back strain.
How It Works
Tell us what’s going
A quick call or a few photos.
Get an upfront price
You approve it before anything moves.
It’s hauled away
A local crew loads up and sweeps the spot clean.
Yard Waste vs. Storm Debris: Know the Difference
After a hurricane or tropical storm, downed trees, scattered fronds, and smashed fencing qualify as storm debris — which often triggers separate county or FEMA-coordinated cleanup programs with different rules and timelines.
Standard yard waste removal covers routine and project-based green debris: the stuff from landscaping, seasonal trimming, and property maintenance.
If you’re dealing with post-storm damage, see our Hurricane & Storm Debris Removal guide for program details. Not sure which you need? Describe the job — we’ll point you in the right direction at no charge.
Why SunCoast Haulers
Curbside has limits. Professional yard waste removal fills the gap.
- No bundling, no size limits — debris goes as-is
- Same-day and next-day service across Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties
- Backyard, side yard, rooftop — we go where the debris is
- Eco-friendly: composting and mulching facilities, not just the landfill
- One firm price quoted before any work starts
- Bundle with other junk removal for multi-project discounts
Areas We Serve
Yard waste removal across Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, North Fort Myers, San Carlos Park, Fort Myers Beach, and the surrounding Lee, Collier, and Charlotte county coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does yard waste removal cost in SW Florida?
Most jobs run $75–$1,000+ depending on volume. A small load of trimmings or fronds starts around $75–$150; a full truck after a major landscaping project runs $500–$1,000+. You’ll always get an exact, all-in quote before any work starts.
What’s the cheapest way to get rid of yard waste?
Free curbside pickup covers small weekly volumes (up to 6 bundles in Lee County). For medium loads, self-hauling to the Buckingham Rd landfill costs $10–$50 in tipping fees. For large piles, backyard access, or same-day need, professional removal is the fastest and often most cost-effective option when you factor in your time, fuel, and dump fees.
Can I put palm fronds out for curbside?
Yes. Lee and Collier counties accept palm fronds in curbside yard waste, cut to 4 feet and bundled under 50 lbs. Cape Coral requires 4 ft × 2 ft bundles. If you have more than 6 bundles, or the fronds are too large to manage, professional removal skips the prep work entirely.
What is the 5 AM set-out rule in Lee County?
As of May 2026, unincorporated Lee County residents must have trash, recycling, and yard waste at the curb by 5:00 AM on collection day (changed from 6:30 AM to accommodate earlier summer collection routes). Items can go out no earlier than the evening before.
Do you take tree stumps?
Small stumps under 12″ diameter and root balls are included in standard yard waste removal. Larger stumps require grinding by a tree service first — we’ll haul the grindings and debris afterward.
How to get rid of tree branches for free?
Cut branches to your jurisdiction’s size limits (6 ft in unincorporated Lee County, 4 ft in Fort Myers and Cape Coral), bundle them under 50 lbs, and set them out on yard waste collection day. If you have more than 6 bundles, you’ll need a special pickup, a dump run, or professional removal.
Can yard waste be removed from my backyard?
Yes. Unlike curbside collection, a professional removal crew goes wherever the debris is — backyards, side yards, pool decks, rooftops, waterfront lots. No gate access? Debris gets carried through. That’s the biggest advantage over DIY curbside.