Recycling plastic can be confusing, as not all recycling facilities accept the same materials.
In Monroe County, our recyclables are processed at Reuter’s Recycling Facility, which does not accept plastics No. 3 and No. 4 in curbside totes. While some food retailers may collect No. 4 plastic storage bags and bubble wrap, they should never go in your household recycling bin.
Plastics that are accepted
- Water bottles (No. 1 PET)
- Produce clamshells (No. 1 PET)
- Milk jugs (No. 2 HDPE)
- Sour cream, butter and yogurt tubs (No. 5 PP)
- Condiment bottles (No. 1 PET, 2 HDPE)
- Detergent and shampoo bottles (No.1 PET, 2 HDPE)
- Prescription bottles (No. 1 PET, 5 PP)
Plastics not accepted in curbside recycling
- Plastic bags (including shopping bags – check local stores for drop-off programs) The No. 1 contaminant in the recycling tote!
- Large plastic items (e.g., laundry baskets, buckets, outdoor furniture)
- PVC pipes or materials
Following these guidelines ensures that our recyclables are processed correctly and reduces contamination in our recycling stream.
For further clarification, please visit the Monroe County Solid Waste and Recycling webpage or email me at tuschel-melody@monroecounty-fl.gov.
Upcoming events
- Food waste and DIY compost workshop: Set for Saturday, April 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Banyan Tree Garden, 81197 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. Learn how to prevent food waste in our landfills and create a backyard vermicompost bin. Bring your fruit and vegetable scraps and a colored storage bin with a lid. Red wiggler worms provided.
- Keys to Sustainability event: Embracing Earth Day and Food Waste Prevention Week. April 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bernstein Park, Key West. The event will highlight food waste diversion, recycling, composting and solutions for reducing water, air and soil pollution with community partner booths and fun activities for all ages. Bring three non-perishable items for the SOS food pantry drive and receive a raffle entry.
- Monroe County is giving back to the community: On the first Saturday of each month, residents can receive free compost and upcycled household items such as paints, cleaners, fertilizers and pesticides. These items are available at the Monroe County transfer stations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A waiver of liability is required. The items are for personal use, and quantities are limited at the county staff’s discretion.
