If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of bamboo and scrap wood in Boca Raton, there are several safe, legal, and environmentally responsible options available. Whether you’re trimming invasive bamboo, replacing decking, or clearing storm debris, disposing of wood waste correctly is essential to comply with City of Boca Raton sanitation policies and avoid fines. This guide explains how to properly dispose of bamboo and wood debris—covering everything from curbside yard waste rules and Solid Waste Authority drop-off points to dumpster rentals and junk hauling services—so you can choose the disposal method that fits your needs and neighborhood regulations.
Your Waste Bamboo and Wood Disposal Options in Boca Raton
If you’re looking to get rid of bamboo and scrap wood in Boca Raton, you’ll find several city-approved and environmentally responsible options available. Depending on the quantity of wood, whether it’s treated or natural, and your project size, you can choose between curbside pickup, Solid Waste Authority (SWA) drop-offs, dumpster rentals, or full-service junk removal. Below is a breakdown of the most effective and compliant ways to dispose of wood waste in Palm Beach County.
1. Curbside Yard Waste Pickup by the City of Boca Raton
Boca Raton offers weekly yard waste collection for residential properties, a great option for smaller quantities of untreated bamboo or wood debris from routine landscaping.
Pickup Guidelines:
Place yard waste curbside by 7:00 a.m. on your assigned service day
Bamboo and wood must be cut to 6 feet or shorter and bundled with natural twine
Each bundle should weigh no more than 50 pounds
Do not mix in treated or painted lumber
Keep debris separated from trash bins and bulk items
Over the Limit?
If your pile is too large or includes treated materials, contact the city for a special pickup or rent a small dumpster to stay in compliance.
Sanitation Division: 561-416-3367
More Info: myboca.us
2. Drop Off at a Palm Beach County Transfer Station
For excess bamboo, scrap wood, or items not accepted curbside, residents can take materials to a nearby Solid Waste Authority (SWA) facility for responsible disposal.
Nearest Drop-Off Location:
SWA South County Transfer Station
southwest, 1901 SW 4th Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Mon–Fri, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sat, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tel: 561-640-4000
https://swa.org/facilities/facility/details/South-County-Transfer-Station-Delray-Bea-15
What’s Accepted:
Natural bamboo clippings and stalks
Untreated lumber, fence posts, and wooden planks
Yard debris in manageable sizes
What’s Not Accepted:
Pressure-treated or painted lumber
Construction debris with nails or metal
Mixed waste or hazardous materials
Bring proof of residency when dropping off materials. Most personal vehicles are permitted at no charge for household items.
3. Rent a Dumpster for Large-Scale Wood Waste
If you’re doing a major landscaping project, fence removal, or home renovation, renting a dumpster offers the easiest way to dispose of large amounts of bamboo or mixed wood debris.
When to Consider a Dumpster:
You’re dealing with mixed treated and untreated wood
Bamboo overgrowth or yard clearing requires multiple loads
You need flexible disposal over several days
You don’t have the ability to transport waste yourself
Dumpster Size Guide:
10-yard – Perfect for trimming projects or shed cleanouts
15-yard – Ideal for bamboo clearing, decking, or fencing
20-yard+ – Suited for multi-room renovations or contractor jobs
Local Dumpster Providers:
Elgins Dumpsters – Boca Raton
Tel: (561) 420-6556
Gator Dumpster Rentals
Tel: 561-581-1074
Keep debris below the top of the container
Separate wood from other waste to avoid contamination
Ask your provider if treated wood is permitted
4. Hire a Junk Removal Service for Bamboo and Scrap Wood
Need the job done quickly and without lifting a finger? A junk removal service in Boca Raton can pick up and haul away your bamboo and wood waste, even from backyards or inside garages.
Best For:
Residents without access to a truck or trailer
Urgent cleanups or last-minute rental move-outs
HOA communities that restrict dumpster use
Seniors or physically limited individuals
Top Junk Removal Services in Boca Raton:
Junk King Boca Raton
1140 Holland Dr Suite 8, Boca Raton, FL 33487
Tel: 561-944-2650
Call N Haul Junk Removal & Demolition
525 NE 34th St, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Tel: 561-376-5080
Estimated Cost:
$90–$250 per load depending on weight, wood type, and access (e.g., backyard, stairs)
What They Take:
Bamboo poles, canes, and bundled trimmings
Clean lumber, fencing, and wood planks
Treated or painted wood (confirm when booking)
Save on cost by consolidating all wood waste in one easy-access spot before pickup.
Choosing the Right Disposal Method for Bamboo and Scrap Wood – Boca Raton
| Disposal Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Curbside Yard Waste Pickup | – Weekly service by the City of Boca Raton – Convenient for small loads of untreated bamboo or wood – No hauling or fees required | – Strict limits on size and weight – No pressure-treated or painted wood accepted – HOA or gated community rules may restrict curb placement |
| Drop Off at SWA South County Transfer Station | – Accepts larger or treated wood debris – No cost for Palm Beach County residents with ID – Efficient for personal drop-offs during renovations | – You must transport materials yourself – Drop-off may involve some wait time – Proof of residency required at the gate |
| Rent a Dumpster | – Ideal for cleanouts, fence removals, or landscaping – Handles both treated and untreated wood types – Flexible rental durations for ongoing projects | – Requires ample driveway or property space – More expensive than other methods for small jobs – Possible HOA restrictions on visible dumpster placement |
| Hire a Junk Removal Service | – No heavy lifting—team handles everything – Great for same-day or end-of-lease removals – Works well in communities with tight disposal regulations | – Higher cost depending on volume and access – Pricing may vary for treated wood or multiple pickup points – Not always ideal for very large projects |
Handling Treated vs. Untreated Wood in Boca Raton
In Boca Raton, not all wood waste is treated equally. Whether you can leave bamboo or scrap wood for curbside pickup—or need to take it to a disposal facility—depends on whether it’s treated or untreated. To stay compliant with Palm Beach County SWA guidelines and avoid fines or missed pickups, it’s important to understand the difference.
Untreated Wood
Untreated wood is raw, natural lumber—free from paint, chemicals, or finishes. This type of wood is safe for recycling and yard waste processing and can often be set out for pickup or dropped off without restriction.
Examples include:
Natural bamboo stalks
Clean, uncoated wooden branches
Unfinished fencing or unpainted pallets
✅ Accepted with curbside yard waste (when cut and bundled properly)
✅ Drop-off accepted at SWA South County Transfer Station with no special handling required
Treated Wood
Treated wood has been chemically altered or finished for durability. It may be painted, stained, pressure-treated, or sealed, making it unsafe for composting or mixing with clean yard debris.
Examples include:
Painted fence panels or deck boards
Pressure-treated landscaping wood
Coated outdoor furniture or wood with sealants
❌ Not allowed in regular yard waste pickup
❌ Cannot be recycled or mulched
✅ Must be taken to an SWA facility for landfill disposal
Why It Matters
Treated wood can contain toxins like copper, arsenic, or chromium, which pose serious health and environmental risks if improperly handled. These materials can contaminate mulch, soil, or groundwater when mixed with organic waste.
How to Identify Treated Wood
Not sure what kind of wood you’re dealing with? Here are signs it may be treated:
Green or dark tint to the wood grain
Ink stamps such as “PT” or “CCA”
Glossy surface or strong chemical smell
Water-resistant or coated texture
If there’s any uncertainty, play it safe and treat it as treated wood. Bring it to an approved SWA site.
