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Lake County, FL Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Recyclables
Inside the recycling cart
No plastic bags
Recyclables can't be bagged
No mixing
No garbage/yard trash in cart
Extra carts
Free additional recycling carts
Weight limit
150 lbs or rated capacity

Summary

Unincorporated Lake County provides a curbside recycling cart and asks residents to place all recyclables inside it: never in plastic bags. Garbage and yard trash may not be put in the recycling cart except during holiday shift weeks.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lake County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

All Recyclable Materials must be placed inside the Recycling Cart, and no Recyclable Materials placed outside the Recycling Cart will be picked up, except upon approval of the Director. Recyclable Materials shall not be placed in plastic bags.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 150).

Full Breakdown

Sec. 23-22 directs customers to place all recyclable materials in their county recycling cart, and provides that recyclables must be inside the cart to be picked up: material outside is not collected except with Director approval, and recyclables shall not be placed in plastic bags. Garbage and yard trash may not go in the recycling cart except during holiday shift weeks. The county issues one recycling cart per home (35, 64 or 96 gallons) and will authorize additional recycling carts, at no cart or delivery fee, when the household generates enough recyclables. Carts may not be loaded above 150 pounds or rated capacity.

Violations & Fines

Contaminating or misusing the recycling cart is a Ch. 23 violation handled through Chapter 8 Code Enforcement; an uncontested first citation carries a $150 reduced civil penalty ($300 repeat).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put recyclables in plastic bags?
No. Sec. 23-22 requires recyclables to be placed loose inside the recycling cart; items in plastic bags or set outside the cart will not be picked up.
Can I get a second recycling cart?
Yes. The Director may authorize additional recycling carts for households that generate enough recyclables, with no cart fee or delivery fee for the extra recycling cart.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lake County

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSignificant RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsHoliday Pickup ScheduleLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Lake County rules

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