Tips · Travel · 3 min read
What to do with your trash when you travel or leave South Florida for the season
October 20, 2026
THE SHORT ANSWER
Empty every indoor trash can before you leave, get bags out on the last pickup before your trip, and have someone bring the bins back in. For long stays away, pause or keep service per your city and arrange regular bin checks.
In South Florida heat, trash left behind turns into a problem fast. A little planning before you go saves a lot of mess when you get back.
Before a short trip
- Empty kitchen, bathroom and office cans the night before you leave.
- Time your last bag for the pickup right before your trip.
- Rinse the bin and leave the lid closed to keep bugs out.
- Ask a neighbor to roll your bins back in after pickup.
Leaving for the season
- Clear the fridge and pantry of anything that can spoil.
- Check your city's sanitation page about service while you're away.
- Store bins in the garage or out of view so they don't sit at the curb.
- Have someone check the property — empty bins can still blow around in summer storms.
Bins left at the curb for days are an easy sign nobody's home. Bringing them in quickly helps the house look lived-in.
If you want it handled
BinHandled can roll your bins out and back on every collection day while you're away, with a photo each time, in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach.