Collier County reminds residents to place loose recyclables in curbside carts, keep food and liquids out

Collier County issued a public service announcement reminding residents to place loose recyclables — paper and cardboard, plastic bottles, metal cans and glass containers — in curbside carts and to keep food and liquids out.

The guidance, delivered as a county notice, said items collected in residents’ carts are sorted and may be turned into new products such as soda cans, clothing and car parts. A Collier County staff member summarized the county’s three simple rules for curbside recycling: recycle acceptable materials, keep food and liquids out, and do not bag recyclables.

Why it matters: placing items loose and free of food or liquids helps recycling processing and reduces contamination that can cause entire loads to be sent to landfill, the county said. Contamination from food and liquids is a common reason recyclables are rejected by processors.

What the county listed as recyclable: paper and cardboard; plastic bottles; metal cans; and glass containers. The notice specifically instructs residents to keep recyclables loose in their carts and not enclosed in plastic bags.

The announcement directed residents to the county’s recycling web page for details (colliercountyfl.gov/recycle) for accepted materials and any local exceptions or seasonal schedule changes. The notice did not provide a named speaker or a formal vote; it was released as a county informational message.

For more information and details on acceptable materials, visit colliercountyfl.gov/recycle.