Recycle Today for a Better Tomorrow

As the world evolves, the need for a sustainable future gets stronger. Every time you choose to recycle something, you give it a second life and make the world a little bit better. If you’re not sure how to recycle right, we’re here to help.

What Can Be Recycled: Recycling Guide

Learn guidelines and common myths related to recycling. You can also download and print our Curbside Recycling Myths guide to help spread the word.

Download the Guide

Accepted in Your Bin*

These items can go in your recycling bin, as long as they're clean and dry.

Plastic Bottles & Containers

Recycle plastics by shape: bottles, jars, jugs and tubs. The "chasing arrows" symbol doesn't necessarily mean it's recyclable.

Clean and dry containers, then put the cap back on before tossing in the bin.

Food & Beverage Cans

Recycle empty tin, aluminum and steel cans.

If the can has a plastic lid, remove it before recycling.

Paper

Paper, newspaper and magazines are good to recycle.

If paper is soiled or wet, compost it.

Flattened Cardboard & Paperboard

Flatten and recycle all cardboard and paperboard.

Cardboard pizza delivery boxes without leftovers or liners should be recycled; but leftover crusts, cheese and other food should not.

Food & Beverage Containers

Recycle clean and dry milk cartons, juice boxes and food cartons.

Make sure containers are completely empty to avoid contamination.

Glass Bottles & Containers

Recycle your clean and dry clear, green, and brown glass in your yellow-lidded cart.

While program guidelines may vary in different communities, Collier County does accept glass in its curbside recycling program.

Not Accepted in Your Bin

Try to reduce and reuse these items instead of putting them in the trash.

No Bagged Recyclables

Do not bag recyclables. They must be loose in the bin.

If you collect your recyclables in a bag, empty them directly into your cart and reuse the bag!

No Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are not accepted as part of curbside recycling programs - they get tangled in equipment and threaten worker safety.

Do not bag recyclables as materials inside may not get recycled. Reuse plastic bags, or learn where you can recycle them at plasticfilmrecycling.org.

No Plastic Wrap & Film

Plastic wrap, bubble wrap, sandwich bags and freezer bags should not go in the recycle bin.

Reuse whenever possible for presents, moving, or storage of similar items, or look for local options to recycle.

No Flexible Packaging

Flexible packaging like chip bags and juice or soup pouches cannot be recycled in curbside programs.

This type of packaging is made from multiple materials preventing it from being recycled.

No Cups with Wax or Plastic Coatings

Cups with plastic or waxed coatings are not recyclable. The plastic lids should be trashed as well.

Invest in and carry a reusable cup instead.

No Polystyrene Foam & Plastic

Polystyrene foam, plastic "to-go" containers, packing peanuts and cups are made of non-recyclable materials, and are not acceptable in the curbside recycling program.

Take your polystyrene products to one of Collier County's convenient drop-off locations.

Other Materials

Typically not accepted for curbside pickup. Check local programs for disposal options.

No Tangling Items

Garden hoses, rope, leashes, wire, holiday lights, string and chains should never go in the recycling bin.

"Tanglers" can wrap around equipment, endanger MRF workers and shut down entire recycling centers. If they are still in good condition, donate them.

No Dirty Diapers

Dirty diapers’ and pet waste’s yuck factor increase when they end up where they shouldn’t — the recycle bin!

These materials will spoil all of the recyclables, turning the load to trash. Trash these instead and keep recyclables clean and dry.

No Household Items

Clothing, textiles, shower curtains, mini-pools, fencing and furniture don't go in the recycling.

Check local programs for reuse and recycling options first. Put them in the trash bin if no other options are available.

No Medical Waste

Medical waste can pose a safety hazard and never goes in curbside recycling or waste bins.

Needles are especially dangerous so dispose of them in a safe container like our MedWaste Tracker® box, take your medical waste to one of Collier County's convenient drop-off locations.

No Household Hazardous Waste

Paints, batteries, light bulbs, car parts, scrap metal, tires, filters, propane cylinders and the like are safety hazards if put in curbside recycling or trash bins.

Take your Household Hazardous Waste to one of Collier County's convenient drop-off locations.

Accepted in Your Bin*

These items can go in your recycling bin, as long as they're clean and dry.

Plastic Bottles & Containers

Recycle plastics by shape: bottles, jars, jugs and tubs. The "chasing arrows" symbol doesn't necessarily mean it's recyclable.

Clean and dry containers, then put the cap back on before tossing in the bin.

Food & Beverage Cans

Recycle empty tin, aluminum and steel cans.

Empty aerosol cans are also recyclable. If the can has a plastic lid, remove it before recycling.

Not Accepted in Your Bin

Try to reduce and reuse these items instead of putting them in the trash.

No Bagged Recyclables

Do not bag recyclables. They must be loose in the bin.

If you collect your recyclables in a bag, empty them directly into your cart and reuse the bag!

No Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are not accepted as part of curbside recycling programs - they get tangled in equipment and threaten worker safety.

Do not bag recyclables as materials inside may not get recycled. Reuse plastic bags, or learn where you can recycle them at plasticfilmrecycling.org.

No Plastic Wrap & Film

Plastic wrap, bubble wrap, sandwich bags and freezer bags should not go in the recycle bin.

Reuse whenever possible for presents, moving, or storage of similar items, or look for local options to recycle.

No Cups with Wax or Plastic Coatings

Cups with plastic or waxed coatings are not recyclable. The plastic lids should be trashed as well.

Invest in and carry a reusable cup instead.

No Polystyrene Foam & Plastic

Polystyrene foam, plastic "to-go" containers and cups are made of non-recyclable materials, and are not acceptable in the curbside recycling program.

Packing peanuts aren’t recyclable either, however some shipping stores will take peanuts back for reuse.

Other Materials

Typically not accepted for curbside pickup. Check local programs for disposal options.

Accepted in Your Bin*

These items can go in your recycling bin, as long as they're clean and dry.

Paper

Paper, newspaper and magazines are good to recycle.

If paper is soiled or wet, compost it.

Flattened Cardboard & Paperboard

Flatten and recycle all cardboard and paperboard.

Cardboard pizza delivery boxes without leftovers or liners should be recycled; but leftover crusts, cheese and other food should not.

Food & Beverage Containers

Rules for recycling milk cartons, juice boxes and food cartons vary by city, county and state. Check local recycling programs for options to recycle cartons.

Make sure containers are completely empty to avoid contamination.

Not Accepted in Your Bin

Try to reduce and reuse these items instead of putting them in the trash.

Other Materials

Typically not accepted for curbside pickup. Check local programs for disposal options.

Accepted in Your Bin*

These items can go in your recycling bin, as long as they're clean and dry.

Glass Bottles & Containers

Glass recycling rules vary, please check your local program guidelines.

Check local program guidelines for options to recycle glass. Some communities have curbside pickup or drop-off locations to recycle glass.

Not Accepted in Your Bin

Try to reduce and reuse these items instead of putting them in the trash.

Other Materials

Typically not accepted for curbside pickup. Check local programs for disposal options.

Accepted in Your Bin*

These items can go in your recycling bin, as long as they're clean and dry.

Food & Beverage Cans

Recycle empty tin, aluminum and steel cans.

Empty aerosol cans are also recyclable. If the can has a plastic lid, remove it before recycling.

Not Accepted in Your Bin

Try to reduce and reuse these items instead of putting them in the trash.

Other Materials

Typically not accepted for curbside pickup. Check local programs for disposal options.

No Tangling Items

Garden hoses, rope, leashes, wire, holiday lights, string and chains should never go in the recycling bin

"Tanglers" can wrap around equipment, endanger MRF workers and shut down entire recycling centers. If they are still in good condition, donate them.

No Garage Waste

Car parts, scrap metal, tires, filters, propane cylinders and the like are safety hazards if put in curbside recycling or trash bins.

Check locally for special collection programs or take them to a local retailer or scrap recycler.

Accepted in Your Bin*

These items can go in your recycling bin, as long as they're clean and dry.

Food & Beverage Containers

Rules for recycling milk cartons, juice boxes and food cartons vary by city, county and state. Check local recycling programs for options to recycle cartons.

Make sure containers are completely empty to avoid contamination.

Not Accepted in Your Bin

Try to reduce and reuse these items instead of putting them in the trash.

No Bagged Recyclables

Do not bag recyclables. They must be loose in the bin.

If you collect your recyclables in a bag, empty them directly into your cart and reuse the bag!

No Flexible Packaging

Flexible packaging like chip bags and juice or soup pouches cannot be recycled in curbside programs.

This type of packaging is made from multiple materials preventing it from being recycled.

No Polystyrene Foam & Plastic

Polystyrene foam, plastic "to-go" containers and cups are made of non-recyclable materials, and are not acceptable in the curbside recycling program.

Packing peanuts aren’t recyclable either, however some shipping stores will take peanuts back for reuse.

Other Materials

Typically not accepted for curbside pickup. Check local programs for disposal options.

No Tangling Items

Garden hoses, rope, leashes, wire, holiday lights, string and chains should never go in the recycling bin

"Tanglers" can wrap around equipment, endanger MRF workers and shut down entire recycling centers. If they are still in good condition, donate them.

No Dirty Diapers

Dirty diapers’ and pet waste’s yuck factor increase when they end up where they shouldn’t — the recycle bin!

These materials will spoil all of the recyclables, turning the load to trash. Trash these instead and keep recyclables clean and dry.

No Household Items

Clothing, textiles, shower curtains, mini-pools, fencing and furniture don't go in the recycling.

Check local programs for reuse and recycling options first. Put them in the trash bin if no other options are available.

No Medical Waste

Medical waste can pose a safety hazard and never goes in curbside recycling or waste bins.

Needles are especially dangerous so dispose of them in a safe container like our MedWaste Tracker® box, or contact your local provider.

No Garage Waste

Car parts, scrap metal, tires, filters, propane cylinders and the like are safety hazards if put in curbside recycling or trash bins.

Check locally for special collection programs or take them to a local retailer or scrap recycler.

* Recyclable items can vary based on your location. Check local programs to find out what is recyclable in your area.

Common Recycling Myths

Grow your recycling IQ by debunking common myths that can help ensure your materials aren’t contaminated and successfully make it all the way through the recycling process and to their next life.

Learn the reality behind the myths to ensure you’re protecting others and the environment by recycling right.

Myth: Most Americans recycle all they can

Reality: False.

Research shows convenience and commitment are required for maximum recycling. For instance, do you recycle in several rooms of your home? If you only recycle in the kitchen, recyclables in your home office or bathroom get thrown away. So make recycling a collaborative effort where everyone participates, enabling the most recycling of the right materials.

Myth: Recycling just gets dumped in the landfill

Reality: Your recycling is processed at a Material Resource Facility in Miami.

All residential recycling that is collected at the curb is hauled to a Material Resource Facility (MRF) located in Miami. It is owned and operated by Waste Management of Florida, Inc. At the MRF, the material is sorted, bailed, and shipped to third party wholesalers. Recycled material is then processed into new material, such as clothes, bicycles, furniture, and paper.

Myth: Recycling arrows on a container mean it is definitely recyclable

Reality: Only in some cases. Check the table above and local program guidelines to see what’s recyclable and what’s not.

Many plastics cannot be made into new products. Recycle plastics by shape: bottles, jars, jugs and tubs.

Myth: Containers must be squeaky clean in order to be recycled

Reality: Containers should be clean, but don’t have to be spotless.

While all bottles, cans and containers should be clean, dry and free of most food waste before you place them in your recycling container, they don’t need to be spotless. The goal is to make sure they are clean enough to avoid contaminating other materials, like paper, or your un-lined kitchen recycling bin. Try using a spatula to scrape cans and jars, and putting recyclables in your sink among the dishes you are rinsing to share that same water to rinse and remove residue.

Myth: Even if an item shouldn't go in the bin, it will get sorted anyway

Reality:False. Non-recyclable items are not accepted curbside.

Non-recyclable items contaminate recyclables. Recyclables stuck inside plastic bags are at risk for never making it through the recycling process. Conversely, recyclable items placed into garbage containers are hauled to a landfill and cannot be recovered effectively. The right thing to do is put the right recyclables in the recycling container and non-recyclables into garbage containers. Recyclables with the greatest impact are bottles, cans, paper and cardboard.

Myth: Hoses, tanks, shower curtains, swing sets, etc. are recyclable

Reality: Just because it’s plastic doesn’t mean it’s recyclable in your recycling program.

If it’s not bottles, cans, paper or cardboard, it probably doesn’t belong in your curbside mixed recycling bin and may even require special handling. Just because an item is made from plastic, or contains plastic parts, doesn’t mean recycling facilities can handle it. There are other resources (e.g., Earth911.org) that can help answer questions about what to do with non-recyclables or household hazardous waste.

Myth: Aerosol cans are acceptable in the recycle bin

Reality: The safest way is to take it to the recycling drop off center.

Most recycling programs accept empty/dry aerosol cans (without the caps). If the can isn’t empty, it could be dangerous. Some fires are caused in baling machines from trace amounts of can chemicals, and cans with leftover propellant have been known to become projectiles when densified/baled. Waste Management facilities and commodity vendors accept steel, mixed metal and aluminum aerosol packages. Multi-material aerosol packages are not recyclable.