Curbside and Drop-Off Recycling
In Pinellas County, all citizens have access to recycling through curbside or drop-off programs for items such as aluminum, cardboard, glass, newspaper, mixed paper, plastic, steel, and yard waste. See our handy listing of recycling programs by city for a one-page summary of local recycling programs. You can also view a map showing area
recycling opportunities.

Electronics and Chemical Recycling
The electronics and chemical recycling program provides a free, safe way to handle hazardous waste such as batteries, pesticides, or old computers. Residents can transport waste to the permanent Household Electronics and Chemical Collection Center (HEC3) or to a local mobile collection event. A convenient option for resident groups (such as homeowners associations) is the Haz-to-Go trailer. Also, residents can pick up usable products such as paint and cleaners at the Swap Shop for free. Monthly collection events (EnviroBusiness Days) are provided for businesses with hazardous waste.

Beach Recycling
The Gulf Beaches Recycling Program provides bins for recycling aluminum and plastic beverage containers. The recycling bins are conveniently located next to existing trash cans on the beach or in parking lots. Beachgoers can drop items off as they arrive or leave. A total of approximately 350 recycling bins will be available at 15 parks and beaches in Pinellas County. Based on a recent study, the program is expected to reduce trash volume at the targeted locations by at least 50 percent.

Yard Waste Recycling and Free Mulch
Through the yard waste recycling program, leaves, branches, and other forms of yard waste are processed into mulch that is available to the public free of charge. Over 100,000 tons of yard waste are recycled each year in Pinellas County. There are 20 free mulch sites located around the County.

Business Recycling
Businesses generate a majority of Pinellas County’s solid waste, and much of this could be reduced, reused, or recycled. Pinellas County’s Cutting Waste at Work program provides free assistance to help businesses or non-profit organizations reduce waste and conserve resources.

School Paper Recycling
Teachers and students can participate in their school's paper recycling program. Recycling paper at school saves resources and encourages students to make recycling a lifetime habit. We offer free educational resources related to recycling on our Just for Teachers Web site including worksheets, activity books, DVDs, and reference materials.

Used Motor Oil Recycling
Attention, do-it-yourself oil changers, the County has a used motor oil recycling program. You can take used motor oil to any of over 60 locations (such as Autozone or Advance Auto Parts stores) to be recycled for free. Recycling used motor oil prevents pollution and decreases our dependence on foreign oil supplies.

Recycled Reefs
The Pinellas County reef program is an innovative way to recycle demolition and construction debris such as old bridges or boats. Clean concrete and steel debris are used to construct artificial reefs. These underwater reefs create valuable habitats for fish and other sea life, which in turn benefits fishermen and divers.

Event Recycling
Green your next event by recycling cans and bottles. You can recycle at any special event, including festivals, block parties, or weddings. For a small event, simply label a few trash cans "Recycle Cans and Bottles Here". For a larger event, contact Pinellas County Utilities, your city, or another provider for portable recycling bins. Find out more about event recycling.

Recycling Education & Outreach
Pinellas County Utilities works hard to educate the community about conserving our precious natural resources. We offer tours, publications, and speakers to promote recycling and waste reduction. Our Just for Kids site is popular with children. Packed with games, songs, puzzles, and activities, it makes learning about recycling fun! We also offer a Just for Teachers site with free resources to help students learn about conservation.

Park bench made from recycled plastic milk jugs.

Buying Recycled Products
Recycling only works when you buy products made with recycled materials. This “closes the loop” between simply collecting recyclables and actually recycling them by creating markets for the materials. Items commonly made with recycled materials include paper products, plastic lumber, cardboard, aluminum cans, and steel cans. Look for “made with recycled materials” or “post-consumer recycled content” on the products you buy.