HOA CLEANUP 101: AVOIDING FINES & KEEPING YOUR COMMUNITY SPOTLESS

A guide for Palm Beach County HOA boards, property managers, and the residents they serve

Managing waste and community cleanliness isn’t exactly glamorous—but for HOA board members and residents in Palm Beach County, it’s essential for avoiding fines, pests, and neighborhood disputes. A pristine community takes effort, but with clear guidelines and the right partner (hint: TrashHelp!), it can become second nature.

Here’s your comprehensive, practical guide to effectively handling HOA bulk trash, maintaining compliance with local regulations, and ensuring your community remains welcoming all year long.


Myth vs. Fact: Setting the Record Straight

Myth ❌ Fact ✅
Overflowing dumpsters aren't a big issue. Overflowing dumpsters attract pests, lead to fines, and annoy neighbors. Palm Beach County regularly issues citations for poorly maintained areas.
Placing bulk trash curbside early is okay. Bulk trash must be placed curbside only the evening before scheduled pickup. Early placements result in fines.
Regular bins can handle storm debris. Storm debris usually exceeds regular pickup capacities and requires specialized removal services to avoid fines.

HOA Trash Management: Do’s & Don’ts

✅ Do 🚫 Don’t
Clearly communicate bulk trash schedules 🗓️ Allow bulk items to remain curbside beyond scheduled pickup 🛋️
Regularly inspect and maintain dumpster areas 🕵️‍♀️ Neglect dumpster maintenance, assuming issues will resolve themselves 🚮
Prepare storm cleanup plans ahead of hurricane season 🌩️ Wait until after storms to address debris removal 🌪️
Ensure dumpster areas are clean and secured 🔐 Ignore signs of pests, odors, or overflowing trash 🐀
Schedule routine pressure cleaning for common areas 💦 Allow buildup of mold, dirt, or grime 🧱

Common Palm Beach County Violations & How to Prevent Them

ViolationPotential Fine 💸Prevention Strategies 🛠️
Bulk Trash Set Out Early$250+ per incidentClearly communicate collection schedules and enforce adherence
Dumpster Overflow$150–$500 per violationSchedule regular pickups and inspect dumpsters frequently
Landscape Debris Mismanagement$100–$200 per violationBundle debris as per county guidelines and schedule regular collections
Storm Debris Mismanagement$500+ per violationEstablish clear, proactive storm cleanup protocols ahead of hurricane season

Palm Beach County Waste Rules Every HOA Should Know

Here’s what the Solid Waste Authority (SWA) allows—and what could get flagged if not followed:

  • 🛋️ Bulk Trash:
    Limit of 3 large items per household per week
    (think: couch, mattress, dresser). Anything extra will be tagged and left behind.

  • 🌿 Yard Waste:
    Max of 6 cubic yards per week—about the size of a pickup truck bed.
    Must be bundled or containerized. Branches must be under 50 lbs and cut to 6 ft or less.

  • 🌴 Palm Fronds:
    Can exceed 6 ft in length—no need to cut or bundle.
    Still count toward the 6-yard weekly yard waste limit.

  • 🧱 Construction Debris:
    Limit of 2 cubic yards per week, in containers under 50 lbs each.
    Larger debris from renovations or fencing must be hauled away privately.

  • 🚫 Tagged Waste:
    If you get a violation notice, you have 30 days to clear it.
    After that, the county may escalate with fines or enforcement.

When in doubt, don’t risk it. TrashHelp is always available for bulk pickups, grapple truck service, and quick cleanouts when you’re over the limit.


HOA vs. Homeowner Responsibilities: Who Does What

TaskHOA ResponsibilityHomeowner Responsibility
Dumpster Rentals & Management 🗑️
Individual Yard Waste 🌿
Community Landscaping Debris 🌳
Storm Debris on Private Property 🏠
Storm Debris in Common Areas 🌪️
Dumpster Area Cleaning 🧼
Pressure Cleaning Common Areas 💦
Scheduling Bulk Pickup 🗓️

Preparing for Bulk Trash Day: A Step-by-Step Checklist

  • 📌 Clearly mark and communicate bulk pickup days well in advance.

  • 📌 Place bulk items curbside only the night before pickup.

  • 📌 Separate regular trash clearly from bulk items.

  • 📌 Bundle landscape debris as required by local regulations.

  • 📌 Avoid placing prohibited items such as hazardous materials in bulk piles.

  • 📌 Conduct a quick inspection after collection, immediately addressing leftover debris.


How TrashHelp Makes HOA Waste Management Simple

At TrashHelp, we know Palm Beach County. We’re locals who understand the ins and outs of community cleanliness and compliance. We specialize in helping HOAs and commercial properties tackle their toughest waste-related challenges, keeping communities pristine and free from code violations.

Here’s what we offer:

  • 🗑️ Scheduled Dumpster Rentals: Convenient for ongoing community cleanups, renovation projects, and seasonal events.

  • 🚛 Bulk Trash Cleanouts & Private Pickups: Fast removal of furniture, appliances, or large items—perfect for move-ins, move-outs, and abandoned property.

  • 🌴 Landscape Debris Removal: Efficient clearing of tree trimmings, palm fronds, and landscaping waste.

  • 🌪️ Storm Debris Removal: Swift cleanup after severe weather to quickly restore community safety and aesthetics.

  • 🧹 Dumpster & Enclosure Sanitation: Regular cleaning and sanitizing to prevent pests and odors, promoting healthier common spaces.

  • 💦 Exclusive Pressure Cleaning Services (HOAs & Commercial only): Professional cleaning of roofs, sidewalks, walls, monuments, pool decks, entryways, and more, keeping common areas spotless and inviting.


TrashHelp HOA Services: Complete Overview

ServiceDescriptionBest Suited For 🏘️
Dumpster Rentals 🗑️Conveniently located bins for all types of community cleanupsRenovations, community events, seasonal cleanouts
Bulk Trash Removal 🚛Fast pickups for large and bulky itemsMove-ins/move-outs, abandoned item removal
Landscape Debris 🌴Professional handling and disposal of yard wasteAfter landscaping projects or severe storms
Storm Debris 🌪️Prompt clearing after hurricanes and stormsEmergency cleanups, storm aftermath
Dumpster Sanitation 🧼Regular cleanings for health and complianceRoutine maintenance, quarterly cleanups
Pressure Cleaning 💦 (Exclusive)Premium exterior cleaning services exclusively for HOA and commercial propertiesAnnual or seasonal maintenance

Quick Maintenance Tips for HOA Dumpster Areas

  • 🔒 Always secure dumpster lids.

  • 🧼 Regularly sanitize dumpsters and enclosures.

  • 🕵️ Inspect frequently and repair damages quickly.

  • 🚮 Clearly display disposal guidelines and schedules.


Ready for Cleaner, Happier HOA Living?

TrashHelp is committed to helping your community thrive. Our customized waste management solutions simplify compliance, enhance community pride, and protect property values.

📞 Reach out to TrashHelp today and let’s discuss how we can make your HOA cleaner, healthier, and happier—guaranteed.

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