Residential Recycling

Recycling Program at a Glance

• Single Stream recycling program where all recyclables can be mixed into one container. No more sorting!
• All residences are provided with a blue 64-gallon cart with wheels and a lid (with the exception of Indian River Shores).
• Recycling will be picked up once-a-week.
• Tilt your cart back on its wheels, roll it to the curb, and place it with the opening facing the street.
• The county provides free curbside collection (included in your Solid Waste Assessment Fee).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a different sized cart?

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Yes. There is an opportunity to exchange your 64-gallon cart to either a 96-gallon or 35-gallon cart depending on your needs. You may call Waste Management at (772) 569-1776 at any time to add your name to their swap out list. This one-time exchange will be free; however, any future exchanges will cost $30 per cart per exchange. Please keep in mind that the capacity of the smallest cart is less than the capacity of the two 18 gallon recycling bins that were previously being used. *If you would like to see examples of the different carts you may visit our office at 1325 74th Ave SW, Vero Beach 32968. More Information

Why did I receive a blue cart if I didn't subscribe for service?

Curbside recycling services are included in your solid waste assessment fees, so recyclables are picked up weekly even if you do not subscribe for garbage service. Please join us in our efforts to reach the statewide goal of recycling 75% of our waste by the year 2020.

When is my service day?

Your service day is on the lid of your cart but you may also type in your address at
Find My Curbside Pickup Day

How do I use my recycle cart?

Step 1: Place all of your recyclables INSIDE the cart. Please do not put recyclables in a plastic bag!
Step 2: Tilt your cart onto its wheels and have it out by 6 am the day of your service.
Step 3: When placing your cart at the curb, please make sure the opening is facing the street to ensure that all materials are removed and the lid closes properly after it is serviced.
Step 4: Make sure your cart is not being blocked by any objects such as a car. Please leave about 3 ft of clearance around your cart so the robotic arm can grip the cart.

Why DID we changE the recycling program?

The state of Florida has a goal of achieving a 75% recycling rate by the year 2024. This basically means that 75% of the material that we throw away in our trash should be recycled. Indian River County is currently close to 65% which means that the transition to single stream recycling has been successful. We continue to work with our residents and local businesses to reach 75% by 2024.

Overview

The county provides residential curbside recycling collection for residents. The charge is included in your solid waste assessment in an effort to encourage recycling. The bins are property of Indian River County and should remain with household even if you move.

Curbside recycling collection is provided one day per week everywhere in the county. Treasure Coast Refuse (Republic Services) provides curbside recycling pickup in Indian River Shores and can be reached at 772-562-6620.

Waste Management provides curbside recycling pick up for all other areas in the county, including the City of Fellsmere, the City of Sebastian, the City of Vero Beach, and the Town of Orchid. The local office for Waste Management may be reached at 772-569-1776. If you would like to exchange your recycling and/or garbage cart for a different size, please call Waste Management at 772-569-1776 to have your name added to the swap out list.

What can I put in my cart?

• PLASTICS: All plastic containers except for plastic bags or plastic film. Bulky rigid plastics, for example, buckets, flower pots (no soil), and laundry baskets. Please empty, lightly rinse, and discard loose caps, otherwise all caps should be securely fastened to the plastic bottles
• PAPER: All paper not contaminated by food, including newspaper, magazines, catalogs, telephone books, junk mail, office paper, cardboard, paper bags, paperboard food boxes including clean pizza boxes, chipboard paper, file folders, envelopes with and without windows, paperback books, mixed paper, paper towel and toilet tissue rolls etc.
• FOOD AND BEVERAGE CONTAINERS: All aluminum and steel cans, empty aerosol cans, clean foil, aluminum pie plates and trays. Please empty and lightly rinse. Aluminum tabs and steel caps are acceptable.
• GLASS: All glass bottles and jars. Please empty, lightly rinse and include metal caps separately in the cart.
• SCRAP METAL: All scrap metal items that can fit in the cart are acceptable.
  

Here is a list of what NOT to put in your cart:

• Electronics, Hoses, Pyrex Cookware, Styrofoam, Six Pack Rings, Plastic Bags, Clothing, Rubber Items, Ceramics, Shrink Wrap, Loose Plastic Bottle Caps, Candles with Wax and Window Glass. More items may apply and this list may be expanded in the future. If you have any questions, please call (772) 226-3212.
• Shredded paper: The new processor will not accept shredded paper as a recyclable item because the small pieces fall through their conveyors and ends up going into the landfill. Since shredded paper should be placed in the garbage, we encourage you to shred confidential information only and don’t shred more paper than necessary. Consider tearing it up and placing it in your recycling cart. Shredded paper can also be used for compost, packing material or bedding for small animals. There are also local stores that will recycle shredded paper for a minimal fee.
• Batteries: Batteries should NOT be placed in the recycling cart. Some batteries, such as rechargeable batteries, automobile batteries, cell phone batteries, and button batteries can be recycled at the Customer Convenience Centers or the Main County Landfill. 'Flashlight batteries' (single-use batteries in 9 volt, C, D, AA, and AAA) are now safe to dispose of in the trash. The added hazardous component of alkaline batteries, mercury was eliminated in the 1990s, and nearly all of the old mercury alkaline batteries have been disposed of. Have more questions about proper battery recycling and disposal? Take a look at the battery guide from the Department of Environmental Protection.
• Loose plastic film: to include plastic shopping bags, bread bags, dry cleaning and newspaper bags can NEVER be put in the blue cart, but they can be recycled at any local retail store that accepts them or at one of the five Customer Convenience Centers and the Main County Landfill. More information about plastics that should not be put in the recycling bin.
• Used cooking oil: should never be put down the drain, instead it can now be recycled at one of the five Customer Convenience Centers or the Main County Landfill. This also includes animal fat, olive oil, and vegetable oil. Motor oil is collected in a separate container and should not be mixed with cooking oil. More information about oils that should not be put in the recycling bin.