Q. How much waste is Recycled in Florida Annually?

A. In 2009 Floridians diverted 8,482,964 tons or 29% of Municipal Solid Waste from the landfill through recycling. A complete breakdown of Florida's Solid Waste Management can be viewed in the Solid Waste Annual Reports. There, you will find a breakdown of Florida's solid waste and recycling information.


Q. Where can I Recycle in my community?

A. To find out where to take your recyclables, refer to the bottom of DEP recycling web page www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/default.htm. Enter in the item you’re hoping to recycle and your location information and click the "GO" button. The box will then show the nearest locations that accept the item you’d like to recycle.

You can also contact your local recycling coordinator for more information. Contact information can be found at: www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/pages/contact_counties.htm


Q. My recycling (or trash) was not picked up this morning, what can I do about it?

A. The first question you need to ask is: How do I pay for my waste collection?

If it is added to your utility bill then you need to call your city/county at the number given on the bill.

If your waste fees are included in your property taxes then you will need to call your county recycling coordinator and let them know about the problem.

You can find out who that is, as well as their phone number and maybe even a web page on our County Contact Page.


Q. I would like to start a Recycling Program in my school or office, is there information available to get me started?

A. Yes, the first thing to do is contact your County Recycling Coordinator and share your idea with them. They will be able to help you and provide you with possible resources. A list of County Recycling Coordinators can be found here.


You can also view the University of Oregon website
This site has an in depth guide to setting up a recycling program. From writing a proposal and choosing a name, to collection practices and guidelines this site is very useful.


Q. Is there any assistance available to help a recycling company that is located in Florida?

A. Yes, Florida initiated the Florida Recycling Loan Program (FRLP) in 1995, which lends money at prime interest rate to help new Recycling dealers get started and old dealers come up to date. More information on the FRLP is available at http://www.ffcfc.org/PROD-RECY-Description.html and on our website at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/pages/loan.htm.

Newer businesses or businesses looking to move to Florida may want to contact the Florida Recycling Business Assistance Center, http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/rbac where businesses can find information about markets, financing and even permitting.


Q. I want to sell my product in Florida and I need to know the labeling requirements regarding the recycling arrows?

A. Please see F.S. 403.708 (7) as well as F.S. 403.7193 (1) and (2). These can be found by typing in the statute number on the internet at this link:
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/