Regional Compliance Hub: Chemicals & Electronics (Mon–Fri & 1st Sat) — Lee County / Fort Myers, FL

This regional hub is designed to keep communities compliant by directing residents to the correct, approved drop-off facility for items that are commonly not allowed in apartment dumpster streams—especially paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, batteries, and electronics. Lee County’s primary “Household Chemical Waste & Electronics” facility is the Topaz Court Solid Waste Facility. [1][2]

Topaz Court Solid Waste Facility (Household Chemical Waste & Electronics)

One-Stop HazMat Solution: This is the designated drop-off for Household Chemical Waste (HCW) (examples include paint, pesticides, pool/spa chemicals, propane tanks and related categories per County lists) and electronics (computers, printers/copiers, TVs/monitors). [1][3]

Hours: Monday – Friday (7:30 AM – 4:30 PM) and First Saturday of each month (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) (Saturday schedule can change on holiday weekends). [1]

Data Security Reminder: Lee County notes it partners with industry-certified electronics recyclers and instructs residents to erase personal data before recycling devices. [1]

  • Facility: Household Chemical Waste & Electronics Recycling Facility (Topaz Court)[1]
  • Address: 6441 Topaz Court, Fort Myers, FL 33966[1]
  • Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM  |  1st Sat 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM[1]
  • Accepted Chemicals (Examples): paint, pesticides, pool/spa chemicals, propane tanks and other HCW categories per County list.[1][3]
  • Accepted Electronics: computers, printers/copiers, televisions/monitors (and related items per County list).[1]

Important Note: Electronics (Curbside vs. Apartment Dumpsters)

Lee County states residents can either place certain electronics curbside with regular garbage or bring them directly to Topaz Court. Apartment reality: If your community uses commercial dumpsters and/or has posted “no electronics” rules, use Topaz Court as your reliable compliance option. [1]

The “Reuse” Center (Free Paint/Cleaners/Fertilizer — On-Site at Topaz Court)

Free Reuse Pickup: Lee County’s Reuse Center provides selected items (commonly partially used latex paint, household cleaners, and pesticides/fertilizers) at no charge to Lee County residents (inventory varies). [4]

Location Note: Official County pages list the Reuse Center at the Topaz Court complex; community materials may reference it as 6421 Topaz Ct “right next door.” [5][4]

  • Reuse Center Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM  |  1st Sat 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (excluding holidays)[2]
  • Address Reference: Often referenced as 6421 Topaz Court, Fort Myers, FL 33966 (adjacent/within the Topaz Court facility complex).[5]

Crucial Warnings: Bulk Trash & Glass

The “Apartment Gap” (Bulk Trash): The City of Fort Myers provides weekly bulk item pickup as part of its curbside residential service package. [6]

Apartment Reality: Many larger apartment communities use commercial dumpsters/private hauling and do not receive curbside bulk services the same way cart-based homes do. Action: Do not leave sofas at the curb. Ask property management if your community has a scheduled “Bulk Item Day” or an approved hauling process, or hire a private junk removal service. [6]

Glass Recycling (Good News): Bottles & Jars Belong in the Blue Recycling Bin

Lee County recycling guidance lists glass bottles and jars (green, brown, clear) as accepted in the recycling cart. [7]

Constraint: County guidance also lists several glass “look-alikes” that do not belong in curbside recycling (examples include windows/mirrors, dishes/drinking glasses, and cookware such as Pyrex/Corningware). [8]

Batteries: Critical Fire Hazard — Never Put Lithium-Ion Batteries in Trash or Recycling

The Ban (Safety): Lee County warns that lithium-ion batteries are a major fire hazard at waste and recycling facilities when disposed improperly. [9]

Action: Take lithium-ion/rechargeable batteries to Topaz Court (or another approved retail drop-off program where available). Do not “bin” them. [9][3]

EEAT Sources: [1] Lee County Solid Waste: Household Chemical Waste & Electronics Recycling Facility (Topaz Court) — address, hours, accepted electronics, data-security note  |  [2] Lee County Solid Waste: Reuse Center — hours  |  [3] Lee County Solid Waste: How to Dispose of Household Chemicals (accepted materials incl. batteries and chemicals)  |  [4] Lee County brochure (PDF via City of Estero): Reuse Center offers paint/cleaners/pesticides (no-charge; inventory varies)  |  [5] Reuse Center flyer: “6421 Topaz Court” address reference  |  [6] City of Fort Myers: Solid Waste FAQ (weekly bulk pickup as part of curbside service)  |  [7] Lee County Solid Waste: What to Recycle (glass bottles & jars accepted)  |  [8] Lee County Solid Waste: What Not to Recycle (glass exclusions: windows/mirrors, dishes, cookware such as Pyrex)  |  [9] Lee County Solid Waste: Battery Disposal (lithium-ion fire hazard; proper disposal guidance)

 
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In Fort Myers, multi-family properties must implement a recycling program under the City’s Solid Waste code (Chapter 70, Article IV; Ordinance 3526). Lee County also requires multi-family properties with 5+ units to provide on-site recycling with resident education and recordkeeping.

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  • Resident Convenience & Cleanliness: Doorstep recycling reduces overflow and contamination.
  • Compliance Simplified: Code-backed setup with clear signage, education, and documentation.
  • Local & State Alignment: Meets City and County mandates and Florida siting requirements for new developments.

At a Glance: City of Fort Myers vs Lee County (Unincorporated)

City of Fort Myers

  • Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling for multi-family properties (effective Jan 1, 2010, or within 14 days of initial occupancy thereafter).
  • Applicability Threshold: Applies to multi-family properties (apartment & condo communities) citywide.
  • Core Duties: Provide a recycling program; maintain plan/contract; keep records; educate residents.
  • Key City Links: Ordinance 3526 (Ch.70, Art. IV) · City Recycling Page
  • Fines & Penalties (City):
    • City’s public enforcement guide shows citations typically $100–$500; unpaid fines may become a lien.
    • (No city-published, recycling-specific fine schedule beyond general code enforcement was located online.)
    • Code Violations & Fines (PDF)

Lee County

  • Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling for multi-family (5+ units) with program, education, and records.
  • Applicability Threshold: 5+ dwelling units (apartments, condos, mobile home/RV parks).
  • Key County Links: Lee County Ordinance 07-25 (PDF) · County Multifamily Recycling Page
  • Fines & Penalties (County):
    • $300 per incident for multi-family non-compliance (county guidance page).
    • Civil: up to $500 per violation, and each day is a separate violation (Ord. 07-25).
    • Criminal (possible): up to $500 and/or up to 10 days imprisonment (Ord. 07-25).

Property Manager Compliance Checklist (City & County)

Task Action / Requirement Resources / Links
☑ Establish Recycling Program (City) Provide program for each multi-family property; maintain plan, service agreement, and resident education/records. Fort Myers Ord. 3526 · City Recycling Page
☑ Establish Recycling Program (County) For 5+ units, provide on-site recycling; label containers; keep areas covered/secured; control contamination; educate residents at move-in and annually. Lee County Ord. 07-25 · County MF Recycling
☑ Service Agreements & Records Maintain recycling service agreement and/or scale receipts on-site; produce within 20 business days of written request; be inspection-ready. Ord. 07-25 §4.D
☑ Resident Education & Signage Provide move-in & annual education; post clear signage at containers; document communications. Ord. 07-25 §4.B
☑ New Development Provisioning Provide adequate space & receptacles for recycling at new multifamily developments when a local program exists (state law). F.S. §403.706(2)(c)

Fines & Penalties Snapshot:
City of Fort Myers: General code-enforcement citations typically $100–$500; unpaid fines may result in liens. (No recycling-specific fine schedule published online beyond general penalties.) City Guide · Ord. 3526
Lee County: $300 per incident for multi-family non-compliance (county page); civil penalties up to $500 per violation (each day a separate violation); potential criminal penalties up to $500 and/or 10 days imprisonment. County MF Recycling · Ord. 07-25

Need a fast compliance check? Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Fort Myers/Lee County property — we’ll right-size containers, draft resident education, and prepare inspection-ready documentation.

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