Recycling 101

Published on October 01, 2023

Dos and Don’ts for Dunedin’s Mixed Recycling Program

Dunedin is proud to have a mixed recycling program for the community. Whether you’ve lived in Dunedin for decades or are new in town, it’s always great to refresh your knowledge on your local Dunedin recycling program! 

Are my recyclables actually getting recycled?
Yes! Dunedin is proud to say that all collected recycling is transported to a material recovery facility (MRF) also known as a sorting plant that is located in Sarasota, Florida. Materials are sorted, bailed, and sold into domestic markets. The majority of Dunedin's recycling is sold to companies in Georgia and Alabama where they undergo further processing to be fully recycled or downcycled. Downcycling is the process of taking a material and turning it into a new item of lesser quality. An example of this is plastic bottles being turned into benches or newspaper being turned into egg cartons.  

The YES List
Dunedin has a basic recycling program that consists of a few items.

  • Plastic bottles, jugs and tubs
  • Metal and aluminum cans
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Office paper, mail, magazines, cardboard, newspaper and paperboard

Keep items clean, dry, and loose! If it’s too difficult to clean, throw it in the garbage. Keep items dry to maintain the quality of the load. Do not bag your recyclables, keep them loose!

The NO List
Technically, the no list could go on forever. If it isn’t on the yes list, it’s on the no list. Check the recycling guide on your cart or the online Room by Room tool for more information. A common phrase to help you is, “When in doubt, throw it out.” The most common offenders are:

  • Plastic bags and bagged recycling
  • Yard debris and wood
  • Styrofoam
  • Scrap metal
  • Food contaminated items
  • Fabric materials

Stick to the Sticker
Recycling programs vary widely from city to city. This is why it is important to get to know your local Dunedin program. Although companies and industries may claim something is recyclable (pizza boxes, we are talking to you) it doesn’t mean they are accepted in Dunedin’s mixed recycling program. Stick to the sticker on your recycling cart and explore other recycling programs that can accept other items. If you need a new sticker, contact Dunedin Solid Waste at 727-298-3215 or solidwaste@dunedinfl.net

 

Escaping Your “Ultra-Recycler” or “Wishcycling” Mentality
“I recycle everything” is a scary phrase for our Solid Waste team. We know your intentions are good, that you want to protect the environment and recycle as much as you can. The fact of the matter is that it’s more impactful to educate yourself on your local recycling program and follow its guidelines. Items we throw into the recycling cart, hoping they will get recycled down the line often cause the most damage.

The Recycling Symbol is Not Your Friend
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but most items that have the recycling symbol on them are not accepted in Dunedin’s mixed recycling program. Currently, a lack of national recycling standards and regulations have created an environment for manufactures to label their products as “recyclable,” even if they aren’t accepted in the majority of municipal programs. Just because an item can be recycled in a program, doesn’t mean that applies to Dunedin’s program.

No Items Smaller than Your Fist
If an item is smaller than your fist or smaller than the size of a hockey puck, do not recycle it. Leave the hockey pucks for the Lightning and the small items for the garbage cart or hazardous program. Items such as shredded paper, k-cups, small yogurt cups, and bottle caps are too small for the sorting plant as they may become wedged into machinery. If you want to recycle bottle caps, make sure to twist them on tight to the bottle. Small hazardous items, such as recharge batteries, never go in the garbage or recycling – always take these items to a hazardous drop off location. Visit Pinellas County HEC3 program for more details.

Resources
Visit the City’s Recycling webpage for great resources, such as the Room by Room Recycling Guide!

 

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