Recycling in Tampa: Your Essential Guide
If garbage isn’t properly and regularly disposed of, clutter, offensive smells, and rodents will be a mainstay. Embracing sustainable practices in proper knowledge of garbage disposal not only reduces these undesirable issues but also actively protects the environment.
According to Dumpsters, the average American household is expected to generate just below five pounds of garbage each day, while a family produces approximately 18 pounds. Various methods are employed for waste disposal, including incineration, composting, utilizing a sanitary landfill, and sustainable practices like recycling.
Recycling stands out as a highly effective and popular sustainable practice for waste disposal. It involves the transformation of waste materials into new products. According to RTS, the EPA has estimated that about 75% of material is recyclable. This process allows products that have been used or expired to be given new life, resulting in something useful and in good condition. Embracing sustainable practices through recycling contributes to minimizing waste and promoting environmental well-being.
Reasons you should recycle
Recycling has several benefits for your home and the wider environment. It prevents the depletion of natural resources since when materials are used again there is no need to extract new raw materials. Waste from landfills often seeps into water bodies leading to contamination. Recycling helps to remedy this issue as it reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills thereby reducing pollution.
Some people dispose of waste by burning it. This has the negative consequence of causing greenhouse emissions. Recycling helps to cut this down as well as helping to provide a host of jobs for people in the recycling industry while reducing the amount of money it takes to store and dump rubbish.
China’s National Sword Policy
An important aspect of the US recycling system was that a high proportion of the recyclable waste was exported to China. The waste was of lower quality, sometimes having high rates of contamination and such waste would only end up in China’s landfills. Science Direct says that China eventually did not want to purchase this waste which was causing them to lose resources.
With the Operation National Sword of 2017, China decided to apply stricter monitoring of American recyclable waste. This led to a disruption to the US recycling system where more waste was being sent to the US landfills or being disposed of in less environmentally friendly ways.
Recycling in Tampa
In this article, we will look into the proper way people can go about recycling in Tampa. So, whether you are new to the city or are a long-time resident looking to start recycling, this guide will help with understanding the hows, whats, and whys of recycling in the city.
First, it is important to understand the different state regulations concerning recycling in Tampa. Some countries like Germany and Austria have strict rules regarding the recycling of waste. However, when it comes to the US there are no national laws for recycling, and while it is not mandated in Florida either, it is encouraged that people recycle their garbage properly to promote proper sanitation.
Recycling is not mandated by federal, local government statutes, or Florida state.
Tampa.gov explains that residents and businesses can volunteer to be part of the recycling program. While it is not a law, there are various guidelines to follow. In fact, the overall success of any recycling program depends on the participants and their willingness to comply with the rules.
According to Waste Dive, Florida had set a goal to reach a 75% recycling rate in 2020. To achieve this, it is important that everyone gets on board and practices proper and regular garbage disposal like learning the importance of recycling and making an active effort to prepare their trash for recycling.
What to recycle? Recycling tips and Sustainable Practices
Whether or not a product is recyclable depends on the material it is made of. Some common recyclable items include:
- Paper – Items such as office paper, magazines, and paperback books. No shredded paper, hardcover books, or receipts are acceptable.
- Paperboard – This includes paper towels and toilet paper rolls and egg cartons. No plastic-lined items are accepted.
- Cardboard – They must be properly placed in the cart. There should be no wet cardboard, soil food boxes like pizza boxes, or items like foam/plastic packaging.
- Plastic bottles – Cleaning products, drinks, condiments, shampoo, or body wash.
- Plastic jugs – Drink and cleaning products.
- Please note there should be no spray nozzles/pumps, food residue, caps, or any other plastic items.
- Tin or aluminum items – Avoid items with food or liquid residue, aerosol cans, detached lids, or any other metal items.
- Glass bottles and jars – Drink and food containers. There should be no food or water residue, corks, or any other form of glass product.
For more information on what items can be recycled, please visit the Tampa.gov website.
Hazardous Materials
We generate various types of waste in our homes daily, some of which can be more harmful than others. When it comes to recycling in Tampa and adopting sustainable practices, it’s crucial to avoid mixing hazardous materials with recyclables. Items such as needles, food waste, broken glass, batteries, and garden chemicals should never be placed in recycling bins. Adhering to these guidelines is vital as they promote sustainable practices and prevent disruptions to the recycling process, avoiding contamination of the recycling load.
If you’re unsure about what items can be added to recycling bins, it’s advisable to check with local recycling centers for verification. Additionally, always remember that if you’re in doubt about whether an item is suitable for recycling, it’s best not to include it in the cart. This cautious approach plays a significant role in ensuring the effectiveness of the recycling process and preserving its sustainability.
Despite the best intentions, common hazardous materials are sometimes mistakenly placed into recycling bins, which can pose serious risks to the recycling process and the environment. Among the most frequently encountered are batteries, both rechargeable and single-use, which contain toxic chemicals that can leak and contaminate recyclables. Another culprit is broken glass, which can injure recycling facility workers and damage equipment.
Household chemicals, such as bleach or paint, are also commonly misplaced in recycling bins, and their presence can be harmful during the recycling process. It’s crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential dangers associated with these materials and take care to dispose of them properly through designated hazardous waste collection programs to ensure a safe and efficient recycling system.
The steps in recycling your Tampa recycling guide
For many people recycling seems like a hectic process or one they do not fully understand. Recycling gets easier the more you know about it and how often you do it. There are three main steps to recycling.
- Prepare your recyclables
Gather your items for recycling. You then check if everything is rinsed out, emptied, and ready to be recycled. Ensure you only gather the items that are accepted. Now they can be placed in a container and ready to be recycled.
- Take your recyclables to the designated carts
According to Tampa.gov, you should ensure all the items are free and loose and not bagged as the bagged items will not be processed. Ensure all items are carefully placed on the cart and avoid jamming in boxes as this may interrupt the smooth collection of the materials. Also, please take the necessary precautions to ensure the items do not get wet.
- Get your cart ready for service
You have the option of waiting until your recycling cart is full before moving it onto the curb for collection. The cart should be placed at the curb the night before pickup day. It should be removed from the curb when service day ends.
How to get a bin for recycling in Tampa
If you are wondering how you can source a cart for your single-family home, the process is simple. Tampa.gov website says all you need to do is request a cart online or via telephone through the Utilities Call Center. Currently, only one cart is available per household. To replace a damaged or broken cart, it must be put at the curb to be switched.
Recycling is not a requirement or is not implemented in multifamily properties like apartment complexes. However, the residents who are interested in recycling can speak with their property managers and other relevant entities about introducing the service.
The Oops Tag
Some people from time to time will come across an “Oops Tag” on their recycling cart. There is no need to panic about this. According to Tampa.gov, getting the tag means there were items in your cart that are not accepted. The recycling process can become interrupted if the wrong items are brought into the facility and for this reason, recycling carts found to have unaccepted items will not be serviced.
Can you drop off the materials yourself when recycling in Tampa?
It is very convenient to be able to have a cart at your home to place your recyclable materials, promoting sustainable practices. But at the same time, there is the option to drop off your trash at a self-service recycling facility, aligning with eco-friendly options. Similar rules apply for waste as with disposing of trash in the carts at your home. For example, all recyclables should be loose before being placed in recycling dumpsters.
Please be aware that if materials are not properly placed inside the container, it constitutes illegal dumping, which is classified as a third-degree felony under Florida Statute 403.41315. Strict adherence to the drop-off station’s regulations is of utmost importance, as any failure to comply could lead to the closure of the facility. It is imperative to actively support and maintain these centers, as they play a critical role in the effective and safe disposal of waste.
In addition, it’s worth noting that when the container reaches its maximum capacity, it is temporarily closed until it can be emptied. One such convenient drop-off station, as provided by Tampa.gov, is the McKay Bay Waste Management Resource Facility. This facility is conveniently located at 114 South 34th Street, Tampa, FL 33605. You can easily access it by driving through the main entrance, where attendants will guide you. The station operates from Monday to Saturday, with hours of operation running from 7 am to 4:30 pm.
What happens to cart/recyclable materials in Tampa?
Collection
The first step in the recycling process is to gather the waste materials from homes, institutions, commercial entities, and other sources. Once the appropriate items have been collected, they are bulked together and transferred to the recycling facilities. This is an important part of the process as it signifies that the garbage has been removed from the various sources, waste has been reduced around the state, and it is now time for the other part of the process.
Sorting
The next part of the recycling process is sorting. This is where the process to remove all non-recyclable materials begins. According to Recycle Now, the typical sorting process starts with machines normally being used to separate the cardboard. The paper is then sorted by hand and then placed into groups and baled. The process of baling involves compressing the paper, so it becomes compact and takes up less space. After that takes place, the other recyclables go on another conveyor and it is at this point where metals like steel and cans are taken out with the help of magnets. A special type of magnet is used to remove the aluminum cans.
The plastics are then spotted and separated by way of optical scanners. After those are sorted, the remaining item is glass. This is dropped off at the end of the conveyor in a large container. Once everything is separated, they are taken for reprocessing.
Reprocessing
The main aim of recycling is to use waste products to make new materials. Once the items are sorted, they are converted into raw material. New products can be made from the raw material and such products are categorized as having ‘recycled content.’
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when I miss the day for the collection of recyclables in Tampa?
There are designated days for the collection of garbage, yard waste, and recycling materials. If you miss the day for collection, you can report the missed collection. However, the Tampa.gov website states that there is no make-up collection for garbage, yard waste, or recycling customers whose regular collection day falls on a holiday observed by the city.
The collection will continue on the next regularly scheduled day. But please note that make-up collections will be provided for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. This is because of the large volume of waste produced on those days.
Should I clean my products before putting them in the recycling cart?
It is okay to rinse your items with water before putting them on the recycling card, following sustainable practices and useful recycling tips. Ensure all items are emptied and a gentle rinse is enough to get them ready for the cart. Items that are suitable for recycling should not contain substances like oil since they can contaminate the load and cause it to be rejected. So, while you don’t necessarily have to scrub the items until they’re squeaky clean, they only need to be clean and dry enough.
How will I know if the recycling rules have been changed?
Rules and regulations regarding how to recycle in Tampa are updated once development occurs. Please note that once there are any updates, these will be provided to the relevant bodies so they can adjust their operations.
You will become aware of the different updates through channels like the media or recycling entities. It is also your responsibility to stay in the know and to check if you have received the latest updates regarding recycling rules and processes in Tampa, so that you can continue to make the best decisions regarding recycling your waste.
Is there an app for recycling in Tampa?
Recycling is not a hard process and should not feel like that in any way. With helpful recycling tips, it is easy to stay up to date with all your recycling questions and concerns using the Tampa Trash & Recycling App. The app is a one-stop point for your queries about recycling. It is available in the Apple Store and on Google Play.
Is recycling cost-effective?
Recycling can indeed be cost-effective, but the economic viability of recycling programs varies depending on several factors. Recycling is often cost-effective when it reduces the need for raw materials, energy, and waste disposal. For example, recycling aluminum cans significantly saves energy compared to producing new ones from raw materials. Additionally, recycling can generate revenue through the sale of recyclable materials, especially in regions with robust recycling markets.
However, the cost-effectiveness of recycling can be influenced by factors such as the distance to recycling facilities, contamination levels in recyclables, and market demand for specific materials. Effective recycling programs that minimize contamination and efficiently process materials can provide both economic and environmental benefits, making recycling a sensible and sustainable choice for many communities. It’s essential to consider the local context and the specific materials being recycled when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of recycling initiatives.
In conclusion
Recycling is one of the top recommended sustainable practices for getting rid of your waste. The city of Tampa has an organized recycling system to help you through the process. There are resources available to help you stay informed about what items can be recycled, how to have your carts ready for service, and other vital information, so you can engage in sustainable practices like recycling calmly and without any hassle.
Are you aware of the incredible practice of water recycling? Discover more about this eco-friendly technique in my upcoming blog post on Growing Grass in Tampa and Navigating Water Restrictions.
