Recycling
We recognize that a vibrant, sustainable community should have a robust recycling program. This belief is reflected in our city code that requires all residents and businesses within the City to recycle (see Chapter 16 Division 1 - Mandatory Recycling).
Businesses are required to recycle and must contract directly with a recycling service provider. If you have a question about how to get your business set up with recycling, contact sustainability@sarasotafl.gov.
Education of residents and businesses and helping them comply with this code is important to us. Keeping recyclable items from going into our landfill will help us accomplish the following goals:
- Re-energize our local recycling efforts
- Improve recycling rates
- Reduce recycling contamination and
- Connect waste streams with productive uses
Why is recycling important?
Whenever we recycle, we save natural resources that would have been used to make a new item. As a result, energy costs are saved, and the item does not end up in the landfill, saving money and maintaining our environment.
What happens to my recycling after it's picked up?
After our local recycling is picked up it goes to a material recovery facility. This state-of-the-art facility operates nearly around the clock with a maze of conveyor belts and specialized equipment that sort recyclables into 'like' materials. Everything is then compressed into a one-ton block and shipped to domestic and foreign mills for use in new material.
What happens if I recycle incorrectly?
There are many consequences to recycling incorrectly. Plastic bags can close down an entire recycling plant, making the process more costly for everyone. Liquid items can ruin an entire load, making valuable recyclables go to the landfill where they take up space and contribute to the production of harmful methane gas (climate pollution). Putting sharp metal objects in your recycling can harm workers in the recycling plant.
Our responsibility is to separate solid waste, recycling, and yard waste correctly so that our local recycling system will be efficient and affordable.
What if I have another question or request?
If you have a business question, take a look at our Business Recycling Flyer(PDF, 380KB) for answers to common questions.
Residential recycling is managed by Public Works Department. If you want to set up service, get a new cart, or view your pick-up day, please visit the Public Works Solid Waste and Recycling webpage and choose “Request New or Additional Recycling Bins.”