Find out from the source, once and for all, what can be recycled and how to sort smarter!
We’ve all been there—staring at the trash can trying to decide if it’s worth the extra time and effort to wash out that jar and recycle it. Recycling can seem inconvenient when there isn’t enough room in bins or when you’re unsure whether something can even be recycled at all. Let’s take care of that last one right now.
Paper, Cardboard, etc.
Non-Recyclables
Plastics, Glass, Metals, etc.
Waste pickup in Alachua County and the City of Gainesville is currently serviced Monday–Thursday. Please call the Office of Waste Collection at (352) 338-3233 and provide your address to determine your pickup day.
For more information, please review our Let’s Talk Trash – Residential Recycling and Trash Disposal Guide.
In Alachua County, 61% of residents place items in the trash when unsure about them. Here are a few examples of common items people are uncertain about.
Recycle milk jugs in the blue bin.
Christmas lights contain glass, copper and plastic, which can all be recycled.
Gift wrapping is not recyclable.
Recycle office paper in the orange bin.
Recycle glass bottles in the blue bin.
Recycle cardboard in the orange bin.
TONS of plastic bottles have been turned into carpet, flooring & more
TONS of paper have been broken down into new paper products
TONS of aluminum have been recycled into items like airplane wings & soda cans
TONS of glass have been transformed into highway beading & other products
*These numbers are based off of 2019 calendar year tonnages
Our staff is available for educational presentations at your school or residential organization. And because our top priorities are education and transparency, we also offer free tours of our facilities.
To learn more or schedule a presentation, please contact our Outreach & Education department at (352) 374-5213.
Our Outreach Programs
Have an event or large gathering coming up? You can borrow recycling containers and bags at no cost to encourage sustainable waste disposal.
LEARN MOREAlachua County residents in rural areas without curbside pickup service can take their recycling, trash, yard waste, bulk items and household hazardous waste to one of five RCCs.
Discover how you can recycle in your municipality. Please select your area below:
