Alexei Volkov
Plastic recycling in Jacksonville, Florida, is a complex process with many rules and exceptions. The City of Jacksonville provides recycling carts for single-family residences, but some plastics cannot be recycled in the city and must be taken to specific stores or drop-off points. This includes plastic bags, bubble wrap, and some disposable straws and utensils. With different rules for each city and frequent changes to accepted items, staying informed about proper recycling procedures is essential for Jacksonville residents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags | Not accepted in recycling bins. Taken to a grocery store that collects them for recycling, e.g. Target, Publix, Walmart |
| Plastic bottles and containers | Accepted, including single-use food and beverage containers, bottles of shampoo, body wash, lotion, laundry detergent, cleaning products, etc. |
| Plastic bubble wrap | Not accepted |
| Plastic envelopes | Not accepted |
| Plastic cutlery | Accepted as #6 plastics (Polystyrene) |
| Plastic hangers | Accepted as #6 plastics (Polystyrene) |
| Plastic medicine bottles | Accepted as #6 plastics (Polystyrene) |
| Plastic garbage or grocery bags | Accepted as #4 plastics (LDPE) |
| Plastic packing peanuts | Not accepted. Can be taken to UPS or other shippers for reuse |
| Plastic straws | Some accepted as they contain Polystyrene |
| Plastic lids | Accepted |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags and flexible plastics
In addition to plastic bags, other items made of flexible plastic, such as plastic wrap, bubble wrap, and plastic envelopes, are also not recyclable at the plant. These items can be taken to big-box retailers like Target, Walmart, and Lowe's, which collect them for reuse or recycling.
It is important to note that when recycling plastic bags, they should not be placed in another plastic bag. Any recyclables placed in plastic bags will be sent straight to the landfill.
The City of Jacksonville provides a list of recyclable materials that can be placed in the yellow-lid recycle cart provided to single-family residences. This list includes #4 plastics (LDPE), such as cling wrap, sandwich bags, and plastic garbage or grocery bags. However, it is always good to remember the general rule: when in doubt, throw it out.
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Plastic bottles and containers
It is important to ensure that all items are empty, clean, and dry before placing them in the recycling bin. Any residual liquid can damage other recyclables, such as paper. Plastic bottles and containers should also not be placed in plastic bags, as these will be sent straight to landfill.
Plastic bags and flexible plastics, such as cling wrap, sandwich bags, and grocery bags, cannot be recycled in residential bins. However, many grocery stores, including Publix, Target, and Walmart, accept these items for recycling.
Some other types of plastic are also not recyclable in Jacksonville. For example, bubble wrap, plastic utensils, and plastic straws cannot be recycled. Packing peanuts can be taken to UPS or other shippers for reuse.
If you are ever unsure about whether an item can be recycled, the general rule in Jacksonville is, "when in doubt, throw it out."
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Plastic utensils and straws
Although plastic utensils and straws cannot be recycled, there may be alternatives for reuse or recycling at special drop-off locations. Some local retailers, such as Target, Walmart, and Lowe's, accept bubble wrap and other packing materials that may be made from polystyrene. It is worth checking with your local drop-off locations to see if they accept polystyrene for recycling.
It is important to note that plastic bags should not be placed in curbside recycling bins in Jacksonville, as they can cause havoc in the recycling machines. However, clean and dry plastic bags can be recycled at many local retailers, such as grocery stores. Plastic bags can also be reused at home or returned to local grocers for recycling.
To reduce the use of single-use plastic utensils and straws, it is recommended to opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible. Small changes, such as choosing eco-friendly reusable grocery bags or paper bags, can significantly reduce unnecessary waste.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the City of Jacksonville provides specific guidelines for recycling. They urge residents to keep all recyclables free of food and liquid, and to avoid placing recyclables in containers or bags. Curbside recycling in Jacksonville accepts most cardboard, paper, metal cans, plastic bottles, and jugs, but it is always important to check with your local drop-off locations to ensure proper recycling practices.
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Plastic bubble wrap and envelopes
However, some big-box retailers like Target, Walmart, Lowe's, and Publix collect bubble wrap and other packing materials at their stores. Flexible plastics, including bubble wrap, can be recycled at select Publix, Winn Dixie, Target, Walmart, and Lowe's locations throughout Jacksonville. These plastics are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and include grocery and produce bags, bread bags, Ziplock bags, dry cleaning bags, and toilet paper and paper towel packaging.
To recycle these materials, ensure they are clean and dry before dropping them off at the designated locations. You can also call 800-CLEANUP or 800-253-2687 to locate recycling facilities near you.
It is important to note that the City of Jacksonville does not collect plastic bags for recycling and advises against placing recyclables in plastic bags, as these will be sent straight to the landfill.
In addition to plastic bubble wrap and envelopes, there are other specific guidelines for recycling plastic in Jacksonville. Only plastic items with the recycling numbers 1-3, 5, and 7 can be recycled. This includes plastic bottles and containers, such as single-use food and beverage containers, shampoo bottles, body wash bottles, and detergent bottles.
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Plastic medicine bottles
Additionally, while plastic medicine bottles are recyclable, their caps are often too small and may be considered problematic at the recycling facility. Therefore, it is recommended to dispose of small pieces like bottle caps in the trash.
When it comes to curbside recycling in Jacksonville, the service is provided by Republic Services, a company contracted through the city to process recycling. This service resumed in March 2022 after a six-month suspension. You can look up your collection schedule by visiting the City of Jacksonville's website or downloading the Action News Jax app for live updates.
If you have a large quantity of plastic to recycle, you can contact a local recycling business. Companies like Sensible Recycling and Realco Recycling offer various recycling services in the Jacksonville area. You can also sell your plastic scrap for recycling to companies operating across Florida, including Jacksonville.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic bottles and containers, including single-use food and beverage containers, shampoo bottles, body wash bottles, lotion bottles, laundry detergent bottles, and cleaning product bottles can be recycled.
Other acceptable plastics include:
- #4 plastics (LDPE)
- #6 plastics (Polystyrene)
- Green, brown, or clear glass bottles and jars (lids must be thrown away)
Unacceptable plastics include:
- Plastic bags
- Plastic bubble wrap
- Plastic envelopes
- Plastic utensils
- Plastic straws
- Plastic packaging
- Plastic toys
- Plastic hoses
- Plastic wires
- Plastic cords
- Plastic Christmas lights
- Plastic mirrors
- Plastic ceramics
- Plastic appliances
- Plastic electronics
- Plastic cooking pots and pans
- Plastic light bulbs
- Plastic blinds
- Plastic auto parts
- Plastic yard waste
- Plastic bulk waste
- Plastic hazardous waste
If you are unsure about whether an item is recyclable, the general rule is: when in doubt, throw it out.
Recyclables should not be placed in plastic garbage or grocery bags. To recycle plastic grocery bags, take them to a grocery store that collects them for recycling. Most grocery stores, including Publix, Target, and Walmart, accept plastic bags and select other items for recycling.
You can recycle plastics at your residence in the provided yellow-lid recycle cart. Recycling receptacles can also be found just outside the main doors or inside near the customer service desk of most grocery stores.
