Recycling

Items You Can Recycle

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  • Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, tubs and cups
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Metal cans
  • Paper, cardboard, cartons and cups

Learn About Life After the Curb

Curious about what happens to your recycling after it leaves the curb? Dive deep into the process with Collier County's informative video! Discover the journey your recyclables take and learn how they are transformed into new materials. Click the link below to watch.

Residential Recycling

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Recycle Only These Items in Your Recycling Cart:

  • Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, tubs and cups
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Metal cans
  • Paper, cardboard, cartons and cups

Three Basic Rules for Recycling

  1. Remove all food waste from containers
  2. Fill your container with clean and dry recyclables
  3. Do not bag your recyclables. Do not place any type of plastic bags in your recycling cart

How Do I Dispose of Special Items or Household Hazardous Waste?

Visit one of Collier County's conveniently located Recycling Drop-Off Centers. For a current list of accepted materials and rates, visit our Drop-Off Center/Facilities webpage.

How Can I Recycle Plastic Bags or Packaging?

Plastic bags are not recyclable in your curbside recycling. Plastic bags get tangled in equipment used to sort recyclables, which becomes a safety issue for workers. You can drop off plastic bags and packaging at participating stores to be recycled.

Where Does My Recycling Go?

All residential recycling that is collected at the curb is hauled to a Material Resource Facility (MRF) located outside of the county. At the MRF, the material is sorted, baled and shipped to third party wholesalers. Recycled material is then processed into new material, such as bottles, containers, clothes, bicycles, furniture and paper.

Reuse Directory

Reuse Directory(PDF, 1MB)

Thank you for choosing to reuse and donate. You make a difference in our community and our environment. Donating gently used items can help those in need and preserve paradise. Choosing to reuse and donate items allows them to have a second life and not end up in a landfill.

Organizations wishing to be added to this directory, please email recycling@collier.gov.

This directory is an alphabetical listing of reuse and recycling organizations in Collier County. Listings are not endorsed or recommended and should not be considered a complete listing of services provided in Collier County. Please call the organization to confirm accepted items.

Business Recycling

Recycling is Mandatory for all Businesses in Collier County

Recycling Ordinance 2009-56(PDF, 1MB) requires all businesses, temporary events, venue facilities and institutions to separate and establish a recycling program for recyclable material. Recycling program includes contracting with a recycling hauler for collection.

Collier County works closely with local businesses to create successful waste reduction and recycling programs. Collier County offers waste assessments and recommendations on how to get started. To set up an appointment with a Recycling Coordinator, please call 239-252-2380 or email recycling@collier.gov.

For information regarding recycling services in Collier County please view the the link below:

Resources and Recycling Services for Businesses(PDF, 2MB)

Construction and Demolition (C&D)

C&D is a significant and growing portion of the waste produced in Florida today. Section 403.703 of the Florida Statue defines C&D as, "…discarded materials generally considered to be not water-soluble and nonhazardous in nature, including, but not limited to, steel, glass, brick, asphalt roofing material, pipe, gypsum wallboard, and lumber from the construction or destruction of a structure as part of a construction or demolition project or from the renovation of a structure, and including rocks, soils, tree remains, trees, and other vegetative matter that normally results from land clearing or land development operations…"

Contractors are required to provide quarterly reports to Collier County identifying the types and amounts of recyclable material collected. For more details, email recycling@collier.gov to get connected with a Recycling Coordinator. 

Benefits of C&D Recycling

Businesses in the construction, remodeling, roofing and demolition industries benefit from recycling. Recycling can reduce the cost of disposal and transportation of generated material. It also generates reuse for certain material. C&D Recycling can also preserve landfill airspace, save energy and reduce the production of greenhouse gas and other pollutants.

Non-Recyclable C&D Materials

Certain types of material collected from C&D projects are considered toxic or classified as hazardous waste. These material include latex and lead paint, chemical solvents, adhesives and asbestos. For information on the proper disposal of hazardous materials, please visit our Drop-Off Center/Facilities webpage

Helpful Business Recycling Information:

Waste Reduction Award Program

Collier County's Waste Reduction Award Program (WRAP) recognizes exceptional recycling and sustainability efforts of establishments in Collier County.

The WRAP is awarded to establishments that promote and incorporate recycling and sustainable efforts. This can include reducing and reusing waste, donation of materials or creating an innovative recycling program. Establishments include offices, institutions, multi-family residences, temporary events, retail stores, venues and businesses. Award recipients receive a trophy and spotlight on our website.

You can apply or nominate a establishment for the WRAP Award by contacting recycling@collier.gov

Laurel Oak Elementary

Laurel Oak Elementary is an outstanding example of how community-driven efforts can lead to meaningful environmental impact and education. In just three months, the school's recycling program collected an impressive 1,300 pounds of recyclables. This collection speaks to the commitment of both the students and staff at the school.

This program serves as an invaluable educational tool. It teaches students the importance of recycling, supports litter reduction, and helps preserve our paradise. The students' influence now extends far beyond the classroom. They are confidently managing waste at home and inspiring their families to adopt better recycling habits. Together, the students and staff of Laurel Oak Elementary are proving that small actions can lead to big change—helping to make Collier County the best place to live, work, and play.

Pavilion Club

Pavilion Club, a community located in North Naples, has achieved an impressive near-zero percent contamination rate in their recycling efforts. This is a significant accomplishment reflecting their commitment to sustainability. The Waste Reduction & Recycling team has been actively collaborating with the property manager to support and maintain these high standards. As part of these efforts, the team has provided educational labels for recycling containers, durable metal signs, and digital resources to share with residents. These efforts ensure that residents in the community have clear guidance on proper recycling practices.

To further engage and educate the community, the team also shared two insightful articles written by our director. These articles explain in detail where the recycled materials go and highlight how the residents' dedication to proper recycling helps preserve our paradise and contributes to making Collier County the best place to live, work, and play. This ongoing partnership demonstrates how education and community involvement can lead to meaningful environmental impact and a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Shipmates

Shipmates is a family-owned business deeply committed to protecting the environment and preserving our community's natural beauty. They go beyond traditional recycling by accepting items that are not typically recyclable but can still be reused. These include materials like polystyrene, packing peanuts, bubble wrap and other thin-film plastics. These items, if improperly disposed of, can severely harm our local environment and threaten the paradise we call home.

By offering this unique service, Shipmates helps reduce waste and offers residents of Collier County an innovative and environmentally friendly way to dispose of items that might otherwise end up in landfills. Their efforts make it easier for the community to take part in sustainable practices, contributing to a healthier planet for future generations. We are grateful for businesses like Shipmates that combine environmental responsibility with practical solutions, making a positive impact and preserving our paradise.

Sandalwood Village

Sandalwood Village takes great pride in its waste reduction and recycling initiatives, which are central to preserving landfill space and promoting sustainable living. These efforts reflect a long-term commitment to environmental responsibility, benefiting both the community and the wider ecosystem.

A key element of this success is the community's partnership with the Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Division of Collier County. Through this collaboration, Sandalwood Village provides residents with educational materials and organizes presentations led by County staff. These sessions emphasize the importance of proper recycling and environmental stewardship, equipping residents with the knowledge to make informed, sustainable choices.

By exceeding the minimum requirements of Ordinance 2009-56, the staff and residents of Sandalwood Village have demonstrated a proactive commitment to waste reduction and recycling. Their ongoing efforts have not only reduced waste but also set a positive example for other communities to follow.

This dedication has earned Sandalwood Village the well-deserved recognition of the Waste Reduction Award Program (WRAP), a testament to the collective impact of their hard work in fostering a greener future for all.

Boca Ciega Manor

Boca Ceiga Manor is a vibrant and proactive community made up of 104 residential units. To promote environmental responsibility and sustainability, the community has formed a dedicated Recycling Committee comprised of five residents, including Janice Condron. These individuals take on the important role of overseeing and ensuring that the waste management practices within the community strictly adhere to the guidelines set forth by Collier County Ordinance 2009-56.

The committee and the community have not only met the minimum requirements of the ordinance but have actively exceeded them. Through their diligent efforts, Boca Ceiga Manor proudly maintains a remarkable 0% contamination rate in its recycling stream—a testament to the commitment and hard work of its residents.

In addition to this achievement, the Recycling Committee has taken further initiative by collaborating with the Collier County Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Division. This partnership is aimed at educating all residents on proper recycling methods and waste reduction strategies. The committee has facilitated the distribution of educational outreach materials, provided by Collier County, to each household within the community. By raising awareness and promoting best practices, they are guaranteeing that every resident is empowered to contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

Boca Ceiga Manor's Recycling Committee continues to lead by example, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for environmental stewardship among its residents. Their efforts comply with local regulations and demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to sustainable living, which continues to make Collier County the best place to live, work and play.

HeadPinz of Naples

HeadPinz of Naples is dedicated to preserving our paradise by meticulously optimizing its waste management system, guaranteeing no contamination infiltrates the recycling process. Not only does the staff educate their employees, but they also extend their efforts to enlighten their patrons. Instead of settling for the bare minimum, they strive to exceed expectations, ensuring maximal recycling of materials. Their commitment sets a commendable standard for environmental stewardship.

Corkscrew Elementary

Corkscrew Elementary spearheaded a tailored recycling initiative designed to capture recyclables originating from classrooms and throughout the school grounds. Over a span of three months, the dedicated efforts of students and staff resulted in the collection of an impressive 1200 pounds of recyclable materials. This program serves as an invaluable educational tool, instilling in students the significance of recycling, its positive impact on the environment, its role in reducing litter, and its contribution to preserving our paradise. Empowered with the knowledge gained from this initiative, the children are not only equipped to responsibly manage waste at home but they have also been inspiring their parents by demonstrating the importance and efficacy of recycling practices. Corkscrew Elementary students & staff are continuing to make Collier County the best place to live, work, and play.

Vistas Common at Heritage Bay Association, Inc

Vistas at Heritage Bay takes immense pride in its commitment to sustainability, exemplified through its exceptional recycling program. Through ongoing education initiatives, residents are empowered with the knowledge to make informed recycling decisions, while community members' analysis of recycling streams ensures minimal contamination.

Moreover, the community actively maintains a pristine environment by diligently monitoring for litter, hazardous waste, and potential health hazards around its waste management infrastructure. This proactive approach not only safeguards the well-being of residents but also instills a sense of pride and confidence in the conscientious management of their solid waste area. At Vistas at Heritage Bay, environmental stewardship is not just a duty but a shared value that enhances the quality of life for all.

Southwest Waste

Southwest Waste has emerged as a positive force in the waste industry by significantly reducing waste sent to landfills, and continually innovating their recycling methods. Southwest Waste is a dedicated community member committed to driving positive change in the solid waste industry through innovative recycling processes and utilizing state of the art equipment to maximize value of recyclable commodities at their facility.

By using innovative technology in the material sorting industry, their facility has systematically reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills and maximized the value of recycling commodities. They are also continuously exploring new methods and technologies to improve their recycling operations and resource recovery. They have been implementing efficient waste sorting and diversion programs, redirecting a significant portion of discarded materials towards recycling streams, promoting a circular economy, and minimizing the need for new raw materials, thereby, assisting businesses and organizations in meeting their sustainability goals.

Further, their facility sorted and recycled more than 3,500 tons of hurricane generated debris. Their actions to reduce, reuse, and recycle has contributed to the overall good of Collier County and demonstrates their commitment to help make Collier County the best place to live, work, and play.

Pet Supplies Plus

In a commendable display of commitment to environmental sustainability, Pet Supplies Plus, 4800 Davis Blvd offers a wide variety of pet supplies and services for all your furry friends was honored with the Waste Reduction Award Program (WRAP) on Tuesday, November 28. The WRAP, a recognition initiative by Collier County Waste Reduction & Recycling team, acknowledges outstanding recycling and sustainability efforts within the county.

Pet Supplies Plus stood out for their comprehensive approach to promoting and integrating recycling and sustainable practices. Embracing diverse initiatives focused on reducing, reusing, and recycling, the company has become an inspiration of eco-consciousness within the community.

One of their recent endeavors involves a partnership with a global innovative recycling management company, Terra Cycle. Through this collaboration, locals can drop off empty pet food and treat bags at their stores for recycling. These collected bags undergo a thorough process of cleaning and separation by material type. The resulting materials are then recycled into raw formats used by manufacturers to create new products.

Additionally, Pet Supplies Plus actively partners with local animal rescue and animal food banks. They encourage donations of items that would typically find their way to landfills. By accepting and redistributing these contributions of pet products, the company ensures these items are given a new life, effectively reducing landfill waste. Beyond being a retailer, Pet Supplies Plus has transcended its role by actively involving the community in their eco-friendly initiatives. Their dedication to waste management significantly contributes to the betterment of Collier County, setting an admirable standard in the industry. Their efforts showcase a genuine commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents while promoting a sustainable approach where we live, work and play.

The recognition of Pet Supplies Plus with the WRAP award not only highlights their remarkable initiatives but also serves as inspiration for others within the industry to adopt similar practices, fostering a more sustainable future for the region.

Tours & Presentations

Tours

Collier County offers tours of the county owned Landfill, Landfill Gas-to-Energy Facility, Household Hazardous Collection Center and the county's four main Recycling Drop-Off Centers. Tours can be catered to the audience's interests and presentations are available on site or remotely. Participants will learn how Collier County's programs and services for waste, recycling, and household hazardous waste are managed to keep Collier County the best place to live, work and play. 

Tour details:
  • An appointment is mandatory - available Monday through Friday.
  • Guests must provide their own transportation (busses can be accommodated)
  • Schools and universities, groups, civic associations, homeowner associations are welcomed
  • The length and content of the tour can be accommodated to best suit your groups interest

Presentations

Collier County offers in-person or virtual presentations on how garbage is managed, curbside services, the proper disposal of household hazardous waste, the importance of recycling and what items are recyclable, hurricane preparation and how to use the county's recycling search tool and game. The length and content of presentations can be personalized to fit the group's interests.

Presentations are available to:

  • Civic Organizations
  • Homeowners Associations
  • Schools and Universities
  • Business Employees
  • Collier County Residents

To schedule a tour or presentation, please email recycling@collier.gov

Please include the following information:

  • Contact name, email and telephone number
  • Total number of participants
  • Age of children participants
  • Additional information you would like us to know (i.e. participant limitations, accommodations, etc.)

Recycling Ordinance

View Collier County's Recycling Ordinance 

Collier County Recycling Ordinance(PDF, 1MB)

Event Recycling

Recycling is Mandatory at all Events

Recycling services are an open market. Event organizers may utilize any licensed recycling hauler. Click here for a list of recycling haulers(PDF, 1MB). Collier County offers portable recycling containers for use. A county Recycling Coordinator may provide assistance in setting up recycling at temporary events.

Event organizers must utilize WM, (239) 649-2212, for garbage service if the event is located in Collier County. Event organizers must use Waste Pro, (239) 657-2729, if the event is located in the area of Immokalee.

Permit Requirements

The following documents must be completed with your permit application:

  • Solid Waste Temporary Event Recycling Plan
  • Solid Waste Haulers Contract
  • Recycling Haulers Contract or a Self-Hauling Certificate

Prior to the Event

  • Place a suitable number of recycling containers throughout the event, generally one next to each waste container.
  • Use proper labeling and signage of recycling containers
  • Notify staff and vendors where containers are located and what items are accepted

During the Event

  • Encourage participation of recycling and the location of the bins
  • Check your recycling containers for proper usage to help prevent contamination
  • Ensure that containers do not get overfilled

After the Event

  • Reuse or donate leftover items and food
  • Ensure all the generated recyclables are properly recycled
  • Notify Collier County, recycling@collier.gov, the amount of recycling and garbage generated at the event

Please contact a Recycling Coordinator by emailing recycling@collier.gov if you have any questions or need assistance in setting up a recycling plan.

Foam Polystyrene Recycling

We Recycle Foam in Collier County

Collier County accepts foam polystyrene to be recycled into new materials. Foam polystyrene can only be dropped off at a Recycling Drop-Off Center. Do not place foam polystyrene in curbside recycling carts.

Recycling Drop-Off Centers only accept the following foam polystyrene products:

  • Clean packaging used for appliances, electronics, furniture and coolers
  • Clean food containers such as egg cartons, trays, cups and plates

Recycling Drop-Off Centers do not accept the following foam polystyrene products:

  • Packing peanuts
  • Thin-flexible foam
  • Foam with stickers or tape
  • Black, blue and pink foam

Foam polystyrene can be recycled into several products, such as surfboards, picture frames, construction material and packaging.

Holiday Recycling Guide

Holiday Recycling Guide

Christmas Tree Disposal

If you have residential curbside service: 

If you live in a single-family home with curbside collection, you can place your real Christmas tree curbside on your scheduled yard waste collection day. Be sure the tree is decoration-free—remove all lights, tinsel and ornaments. Do not wrap the tree in plastic. If your tree is over 6 feet long, it must be cut in half, so it fits into the collection truck. Please your tree curbside before 6 a.m. on your collection day, but no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before .You can also drop off your real tree free of charge at a Collier County Recycling Drop-Off Center. 

For artificial Christmas trees, if the tree is still in good condition, consider donating it. If not, you can place it curbside on your bulky item collection day. 

If you live in a condominium with commercial service: 

If you live in a multi-family complex with dumpster or compactor service, contact your property management for instructions on how to dispose of your real Christmas tree. Do not place trees in dumpsters or compactors. You can take your real Christmas tree to one of Collier County’s Recycling Drop-Off Centers free of charge.

For artificial trees, if the tree is in good condition, consider donating it. For a list of places where you can donate, check out Collier County’s Reuse Directory at www.colliercountyfl.gov/reuse. Otherwise, you can take it to one of Collier County’s Recycling Drop-Off Centers, but fees and restrictions may apply.

How to Recycle Wrapping Paper

Most wrapping paper is recyclable and can go in your curbside recycling cart. However, the following wrapping materials cannot be recycled and should be reused or thrown in the garbage:

  • Ribbon
  • Bows
  • Bubble Wrap
  • Tissue Paper
  • Tinsel 
  • Flocked Wrapping Paper 
  • Foil-Wrapped Paper
  • Glittered Wrapping Paper

How to Recycle Cardboard & Gift Boxes

Gift boxes: You can either reuse them or place them in your recycling cart. 

Cardboard boxes: To be recycled, cardboard boxes must be broken down and flattened. If boxes are not flattened or placed in the recycling cart, they will not be recycled. Remove all paper and packing materials from boxes. 

How to Reduce Waste During the Holidays 

Ditch the Paper

Use wrapping paper substitutes, like decorated brown paper bags, or cardboard boxes, children's artwork or newspapers. Or you can use holiday gift bags that can be reused. 

D.I.Y. the Decor 

Craft your own decorations or visit your local thrift store for options and them for next time. 

Gift Swaps

Reuse gifts you do not need or want by swapping or re-gifting.   

Send Electronic Invitations 

Instead of paper invitations, send electronic invitations or create an event page on social media to keep track of your guests. 

Free Resources

Free Resources

  1. Residential Guidebook(PDF, 11MB): A comprehensive guide on proper waste disposal and recycling.
  2. Trilingual "Recycle This!" Magnet(PDF, 2MB): A tool outlining recyclable items in your community.

For additional educational materials such as signage, brochures, magnets, door hangers, stickers, and more to promote proper recycling reach out to Recycling Coordinators at recycling@collier.gov. Recycling Coordinators are also available to visit your community and provide free presentations. We are eager to collaborate with your community and make recycling even easier.

Helpful Recycling Links