Fort Myers

Recycling Guidelines

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Mixed Recycling: Plastic, paper, metal and glass can be comingled together in your single-stream recycling collection

PLASTIC

Look for plastic items labeled #1 - #7. Lids and caps can stay on bottles and containers.

  • Bath bottles- shampoo, mouthwash, lotion, soap, etc.
  • Black nurser plant pots
  • Bottles & jugs- beverage, food, etc.
  • Containers- fruit, baked good, etc.
  • House bottles & jugs- cleaning supplies, detergent, etc.
  • Tubs- yogurt, margarine, etc
Lids and caps can stay on bottles and containers
Plastic, single-serve to-go containers with no food residue

METAL

Look for tin, aluminum and other metal items

  • Aerosol cans
  • Aluminum cans- beverage, food, etc.
  • Aluminum foil & pie pans

Tin, aluminum, steel, and empty aerosol cans

PAPER

Look for Paper items

  • Beverage carrying boxes
  • Cardboard & Corrugated Cardboard- flattened moving boxes, food boxes, tissue boxes, and shoeboxes
  • Mixed paper- computer paper, office paper, unwanted mail, flyers, notecards, newspaper, magazines, folders
  • Paper bags
  • Phone books

Paper can be recycled up to seven times, depending on the quality

Cardboard tubes from wrapping or toilet paper rolls

GLASS

Look for glass food jars and drink bottles

  • Bottles- beverage, food, etc.
  • Jars- beverage, food, etc.
Bottles and jars (remove lids or caps)
Clean and dry your glass bottles

Mixed Recycling: Plastic, paper, metal and glass can be comingled together in your single-stream recycling collection

Doorstep Recycling Collection
Place acceptable recyclables in a securely tied, see-thru bag, separate from your trash and place in your bin, outside your front door with your scheduled trash collection.

When in Doubt – Toss it Out
Please do not place any unacceptable items in communal recycling containers or in your household recycling bags. Remember, if recycling contains “contaminants” (non-recyclable items or containers not properly cleaned), the whole batch may be rejected and sent to a land fill. When in doubt – best to toss it out!

What can NOT be recycled

  • Cookware (pyrex, corning, etc.)
  • Dishes
  • Drinking glasses
  • Medicine bottles
  • Windows and mirrors
  • Ceramics
  • Cooking utensil
  • Door screens
  • Lawn furniture
  • Pots and pans
  • Car parts
  • Forks
  • Knives
  • License plates
  • Spoons
  • Tools
  • Household chemical containers
  • Egg cartons
  • Newspaper sleeves
  • Motor oil and antifreeze containers
  • Plastic grocery bags
  • Polystyrene trays
  • Pool chemical bottles
  • Styrofoam
  • Paper packing within wax layer (juice boxes)
  • Computer Equipment
  • Copy or Fax Machines
  • Home and Office Electronics
  • Microwave Ovens
  • Telephones
  • Televisions
  • VCRs

Recycle Collection Tips

  • Black nurser plant pots should be no. 2 plastic
  • Multi-family property owners in Fort Myers must provide recycling services for mixed paper and commingled containers.  Recycling containers must be adequate size, labeled with the
  • Material to be recycled and the recycling symbol, and indicate “no trash.”

Multifamily-specific highlights. Check with your municipality for the latest guidelines.

The Solid Waste Division of Ft. Myers implemented Ordinance 3502, mandatory recycling for commercial, non-profit entities, and special events to ensure that recyclable materials generated be source separated and collected so that recyclable materials are not deposited in landfill, but are processed and reused. All multi-family, non-profit, and commercial accounts will be required to subscribe to the city’s or private provider for recycling services to abide by the city’s new solid waste ordinance. For more information, please contact the Solid Waste Division at 239-321-8050.

Learn more about recycling in your city.

For more information, please contact:

Solid Waste Division
Physical Address
2144 Arcadia Street
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-321-8050
https://www.cityftmyers.com

This information is not your official community or municipality guidelines. Recycling mandates may change based on the local processing capabilities and shifting markets. Contact your leasing office or local recycling agency to learn more or use the links under the “Recycling Resources"