Recycling in Alachua County: What You Need to Know

Alachua County is doing pretty well with recycling, ranking fifth in Florida in 2024. But there's still a big problem: people putting the wrong stuff in recycling bins. This messes things up and makes recycling more expensive. So, what can you actually recycle? Bottles, cans, cardboard, and paper are all good. But make sure they're clean—no leftover food or liquids. And some things, like plastic bags, Styrofoam, and batteries, can't be recycled at all. Oh, and milk and juice cartons? Those aren't accepted anymore.One big issue is that not everyone has easy access to recycling bins. Some people, especially those living off-campus, don't have recycling bins nearby. Others find it hard to recycle because the bins are hidden or far away. But there are places to recycle! On the University of Florida (UF) campus, you can find bins in dorms, dining halls, and classrooms. If you live off-campus in Gainesville, you can use the city's curbside recycling service. UF is trying to make recycling easier. They're adding more bins and even using smart technology to track waste. They also want to teach people more about recycling, especially starting with kids. The goal is to get 90% of waste away from landfills, but right now, they're only at about 53%.