Which items can be recycled by Hillsborough County
What belongs in my blue recycling bin?
Place the following items clean, dry, and empty in your curbside bin or drop off at a Community Collection Center. Print the downloadable signage to easily remember recycling rules.
Accepted items
Cardboard: flattened | Shipping and pizza boxes |
Cartons: caps attached | Beverage or broth containers |
Paper: not shredded | Junk mail, magazines, newspaper, paper bags, and printer paper |
Paperboard: flattened | Cereal, pasta, and tissue boxes. Paper egg cartons. Paper towel and toilet tube inserts |
Plastic bottles and jugs: caps attached | Focus only on the shape of bottles and jugs, not the number inside the recycling symbol |
Metal food and drink cans: lids partially attached | Canned goods, pet food cans, and beverage cans |
Glass bottles and jars: no lids | Beverage bottles and product jars |
What does NOT belong in my blue recycling bin?
Unaccepted items
Plastic bags or bagged recycling | Grocery or take-out bags, bags with recyclables |
Items with food or liquids | Dirty pasta sauce and peanut butter jars |
Foam packaging and containers | Foam cups, takeout containers, and egg cartons |
Other plastics | Bubble mailers, plastic takeout containers, silverware, cups, and straws |
Clothing | Shirts, pants, and bedding |
Hoses, cords, and cables | Garden hoses, phone chargers |
Yard waste | Vegetative branches, leaves, and wood |
Batteries and electronics | Batteries and electronic devices, like cellphones |
Where Does it Go? Guide
Use our Where Does It Go? Guide to find directions on how and where to dispose of common household items like appliances, batteries, electronics, and pool chemicals.
Recycling resources
To find out more about our recycling program, download our Recycling Guide or request a recycling presentation.
Questions about recycling? Email Recycling@hcfl.gov.
City of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City customers
Recycling rules can vary depending on where you live.
- City of Tampa Recycling Rules
- City of Temple Terrace Recycling Rules
- City of Plant City Recycling Rules
City customers can drop off recyclables at Community Collection Centers for free.