Which items can be recycled by Hillsborough County

Items to recycle in your blue recycle bin - cardboard, cartons, paper and paperboard; plastic bottles and jugs; metal food containers and drink cans; glass bottles and jars

What belongs in my Hillsborough County blue recycling bin?

Place the following items in your curbside bin or drop off at a Community Collection Center. Place these items clean, dry, and empty in the bin.

Accepted Items

Examples

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

Beverage bottles and laundry jugs

Metal food containers and drink cans: lids partially attached 

Food cans, beverage cans, and pet food containers

Glass bottles and jars: no lids

Beverage bottles and product jars

What does NOT belong in my blue recycling bin?

Items that do not belong in the blue recycle bin - plastic bags or bagged recycling; items with food or liquids; foam packaging and containers; other plastics; clothing; hoses, cords and cables; yard waste; batteries and electronics

Unaccepted Items

Examples

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 customers can drop off recyclables at Community Collection Centers for free.

Last Modified: 4/28/2026, 5:22:34 PM

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