Background

Orlando, FL (pop. 249,562), is more than just the home of Walt Disney World and countless other theme parks and resorts — it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., swelling approximately 30% since 2000. Now, its curbside recycling program is growing appropriately to meet the demand. In November 2012, the city began implementing new 95-gallon roll carts to replace an impractical two-bin collection system. With this single-stream collection program in place, Orlando anticipates saving $150,000 annually on fuel and dumping costs while effectively doubling the number of materials it can accept at the curb. Orlando residents receive either a burgundy or teal recycling cart, which identifies the household’s collection week.

Materials recycled

Paper Newspaper, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, writing or computer paper, paperboard, cartonboard, juice boxes, paper-based milk cartons and flattened corrugated cardboard (including clean pizza boxes) are accepted. Plastics Empty plastic containers of all shapes and sizes (note: laundry detergent containers numbered 1 or 2 only) are accepted. No Styrofoam or plastic bags accepted. Metals Empty aluminum cans, steel/tin/bimetal cans and metal caps and lids are accepted. Glass Empty, clean glass food and beverage containers (any color) are accepted.

Frequency

Orlando residents take recyclables to the curb every other week. Carts must be at least 2 feet from any other obstructions. Carts should be placed curbside no earlier than 5 p.m. on the day before pick-up and no later than 6 a.m. on collection day. A collection calendar is available online.

Other programs

The Orange County Landfill (5901 Young Pine Rd.; 407.836.6600; open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and the L.B. McLeod Road Transfer Station (5000 L.B. McLeod Rd.; 407.245.0931; open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) both accept various household hazardous waste materials for free from Orlando residents. Residents are urged to call ahead to see what items are accepted. Motor oil and batteries may be dropped off at the Porter Road Transfer Station (corner of Good Homes & White roads; open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Residents may also choose to drop off recyclables (materials listed under ‘Materials recycled’ above) at any of Orlando’s drop-off recycling locations.

More information

Visit the City of Orlando Public Works website for more recycling program info.