Regional Compliance Hub: Chemicals, Batteries & Electronics (Sat 9am–3pm) — Broward County / Fort Lauderdale, FL
This regional hub is designed to keep communities compliant by directing residents to the correct, approved drop-off facility for items that are strictly not allowed in normal disposal streams—especially paint, electronics, batteries, and fluorescent bulbs. Broward County’s residential drop-off centers are the region’s primary “one-stop” option for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and electronics recycling. [1][2]
Broward County Central Residential Drop-Off Center (Davie) — “Saturday Solution”
One-Stop Drop-Off (HHW + Electronics): The Central Residential Drop-Off Center is a designated drop-off for
Household Hazardous Waste (examples include pesticides, pool chemicals, and certain paints) and electronics (e.g., computers, TVs) for residents of participating cities.
[1][3]
Hours: Saturdays ONLY (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM). Closed all other days.
[3][4]
Proof of Residency Required: Bring a photo ID plus a current utility bill (addresses must match) per Broward County documentation rules.
[5][6]
- Facility: Central Residential Drop-Off Center (Broward County)[3]
- Address: 5490 Reese Road, Davie, FL 33314[4][3]
- Hours: Saturday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (weekly)[3]
- Accepted (Examples): HHW (chemicals, pesticides, pool chemicals, certain paints) + electronics (computers, TVs) per County lists.[1][2]
- Documentation: Photo ID + current utility bill (addresses match) required for participating-city drop-offs.[5]
Alternative Saturday Centers (North & South)
If you live farther north or south in Broward County, the County lists additional Saturday-only drop-off centers: [3][1]
- North Center: 2780 N. Powerline Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 — Sat 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM[3][1]
- South Center: 5601 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd, West Park, FL 33023 — Sat 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM[3][1]
Why This Matters: Batteries & “Toxicity” Belong in Approved Programs
One-stop compliance point: Approved HHW/electronics programs are the safest legal pathway for items like lithium batteries, which can pose a fire risk if placed in household trash or curbside recycling. [7][8]
Crucial Warnings: Bulk Trash & Glass (Fort Lauderdale)
The “Apartment Gap” (Bulk Trash): The City of Fort Lauderdale provides curbside solid waste services to
single-family and multi-family properties with three (3) units or less.
[9]
Apartment Reality: Larger apartment communities (commonly 4+ units) are generally handled under private hauling contracts.
Action: Do not leave sofas at the curb. Ask property management if the community has a scheduled bulk process, or use a private junk removal service.
[9]
Glass Recycling (Good News): Accepted in Fort Lauderdale “Take 5” Blue Cart
Glass: Fort Lauderdale’s “Take 5” recycling guidance lists glass containers as accepted in the blue recycling cart.
[10]
Action: Put clean, empty glass bottles/jars in the blue cart.
Do not bag recyclables—Fort Lauderdale specifically instructs residents to keep recyclables loose, clean, and dry.
[10]
Electronics: Prohibited from Regular Trash
Broward County directs residents to use the Saturday drop-off centers for electronics recycling. If you cannot make the Saturday drop-off, look for approved retail take-back programs for certain small items (availability and accepted items vary by retailer). [2]
EEAT Sources: [1] Broward County: Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program & drop-off centers | [2] Broward County: Electronics Recycling (Saturday-only residential drop-off centers) | [3] Town of Davie: HHW & Electronics Recycling (lists north/central/south centers; Sat 9–3) | [4] City of Margate: Broward HHW drop-off locations (Davie/Pompano/West Park; Sat 9–3) | [5] Broward County: Drop-off center documentation requirements (ID + utility bill; address match) | [6] Broward County: Residential drop-off centers (proof of residency requirements) | [7] U.S. EPA: Lithium-ion batteries can pose a fire danger in trash/curbside recycling | [8] Hillsborough County, FL: Battery fire risk in garbage/recycling trucks (public safety guidance) | [9] City of Fort Lauderdale: Collection Programs (city service applies to single-family & 3-units-or-less) | [10] City of Fort Lauderdale: Take5 Recycling Program (glass containers accepted; do not bag recyclables)
Fort Lauderdale property owners and community managers: simplify recycling compliance and boost resident satisfaction. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling program aligns with City of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County requirements to reduce contamination and enhance NOI — all with a turnkey, inspector-friendly setup.
In Fort Lauderdale, the City Code requires each multifamily residence to implement a recycling program under Chapter 24, §24-8 (Solid Waste). For service provisioning, multifamily accounts of four (4) or more units must use a licensed hauler under Chapter 24. Broward County operates a countywide recycling program and identifies multifamily within its Mandatory Residential Recycling Ordinance (§14-71–§14-75), especially for unincorporated areas.
- Mandate Type (City): Mandatory Recycling — owner must implement a program for each multifamily residence (Fort Lauderdale Code §24-8).
- Applicability Threshold (City): Applies to each multifamily residence; hauler licensing threshold commonly referenced at 4+ units (City Ch. 24).
- County Context: Broward’s recycling framework applies in unincorporated areas and defines program elements for residential recycling (Broward County Code §14-71 et seq.).
- New Construction (State): Florida law requires newly developed multifamily properties (CO issued on/after July 1, 2012) to provide adequate space & receptacles for recycling when a local program exists (F.S. §403.706(2)(c)).
At a Glance: City of Fort Lauderdale vs Broward County
City of Fort Lauderdale
- Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling for each multifamily residence (§24-8).
- Applicability Threshold: Recycling program for all MF; 4+ units commonly triggers licensed account service (Chapter 24).
- Key City Link: §24-8 Recycling at Multifamily Residences
- Fines & Penalties:
- Failure to comply with §24-8 is punishable under §1-6 (General Penalty): up to $500, up to 60 days jail, or both.
- Post-hearing noncompliance may incur up to $500 per day until corrected (Special Magistrate Hearings).
Broward County
- Mandate Type: County recycling framework (Mandatory Residential Recycling Ordinance) applicable in unincorporated areas (§14-71(b)).
- Applicability Threshold: Addresses “residential” program including multifamily; city programs govern inside municipalities.
- County Guidance: Multifamily residents are encouraged to recycle; properties should establish service with a licensed hauler (County MF Recycling Page).
- Fines & Penalties:
- Typical code citations: $50–$250 (first offense); $100–$500 (repeat); abatements & liens possible (Broward Code Enforcement Process).
Property Manager Compliance Checklist (City & County)
| Task | Action / Requirement | Resources / Links |
|---|---|---|
| ☑ Establish Recycling Program (City) | Owner implements a recycling program for each multifamily residence; maintain records (plan, contract, education). | Fort Lauderdale Code §24-8 |
| ☑ Service Agreements | Use a licensed hauler for multifamily accounts (4+ units commonly) and keep active recycling service. | City Ch. 24 (Solid Waste) |
| ☑ County Alignment (Unincorporated) | Follow county recycling framework and set up MF service where applicable. | Broward §14-71–§14-75 · County MF Guidance |
| ☑ Resident Education & Signage | Provide move-in & annual education; post clear signage at containers; track participation and contamination. | County Tips |
| ☑ Records & Inspection Readiness | Keep hauler contract, container inventory, education materials, and inspection logs; be ready for Special Magistrate review. | City Compliance Hearings |
| ☑ New Development Provisioning | Design adequate space & receptacles for recycling (state requirement when local program exists). | F.S. §403.706(2)(c) |
Fines & Penalties Snapshot: In Fort Lauderdale, failure to comply with §24-8 is punishable under §1-6 (up to $500, 60 days jail, or both); persistent noncompliance after a Special Magistrate hearing can accrue up to $500/day and may result in liens. In Broward County, typical code citations range $50–$250 (first) and $100–$500 (repeat), with possible abatement and liens (Broward Code Enforcement Process).
Need a fast compliance check? Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Fort Lauderdale/Broward property — we’ll right-size containers, draft resident education, and prepare inspection-ready documentation.
Notes: City of Fort Lauderdale Code §24-8 states the multifamily recycling requirement and ties violations to §1-6. §1-6 provides the general penalty ceiling (fine up to $500 and/or 60 days). The City’s compliance page explains post-hearing per-day fines up to $500 and liens. Broward County §14-71–§14-75 frames the county recycling program (unincorporated); County citations page provides typical fine ranges.
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