Bonita Springs, FL Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Bonita Springs Code § 32-58(a)
- Who must recycle
- All businesses within the city limits
- Minimum program
- At least one recyclable material
- Collection frequency
- At minimum one collection every two weeks
- Civil fine
- Up to $500.00 per violation, per day
- Multifamily collection
- At minimum weekly
Summary
In the City of Bonita Springs, Lee County, Florida, every business within the city limits must run an on-site recycling program covering at least one recyclable material and hold a written service agreement calling for one collection every two weeks. Violations carry civil fines up to $500.00 per violation, with each day a separate violation.
(a)Program requirements. All businesses within the city limits shall establish an on-site recycling program and recycle a minimum of one recyclable material that the business generates. This primary recyclable material shall be the recyclable material that makes up the largest portion of the business' waste stream. ... (1)Each business shall enter into a written service agreement, with a service provider. The service agreement must provide at a minimum one collection every two weeks of recyclable materials. ... (3)Penalties.a.Civil. A violation of this division may subject the property owner to a fine of up to $500.00 per violation. For purposes of this division, each day a violation continues to exist constitutes a separate violation.
Full Breakdown
Division 2 of chapter 32 of the Bonita Springs Code, adopted by Ordinance 07-21 on December 5, 2007, is a mandatory recycling program for commercial and multifamily properties and for construction and demolition projects. Single-family curbside service is not described in this division. Section 32-56 says businesses keep the designated franchise hauler for refuse collection and choose a service provider for recycling; multifamily properties use the designated franchise hauler; commercial businesses on minimum refuse service as defined by the solid waste division are exempt.
Under section 32-58(a), each business recycles a minimum of one material, and the primary material is the one that makes up the largest portion of its waste stream. The written service agreement must provide at a minimum one collection every two weeks. The business keeps a recycling program form on site for the solid waste division, one for each service location, within 14 days of beginning operations, and the program stays in effect through any change of building ownership or service provider. The listed materials are fiber products, co-mingled containers, ferrous metal, nonferrous metal and wood. Containers must be labeled with the word recycling or recyclable or the chasing arrows symbol plus No Trash or similar language, and containers outdoors must be covered and secured.
Businesses distribute recycling information to employees at least annually and give the solid waste division records within 20 working days of a written request. Exemptions are temporary, for a period not to exceed one year. An advance disposal fee is assessed monthly on the commercial refuse billing statement for noncompliance, and an owner gets 20 business days from notification to explain. Section 32-59 sets multifamily rules for properties with five dwelling units or more, with collection at a minimum weekly, and section 32-60 requires covered construction and demolition projects to divert at least fifty percent of debris generated.
Violations & Fines
Section 32-58(f) allows a civil fine of up to $500.00 per violation, with each day a separate violation. A violation can also be a second degree misdemeanor with a $500.00 fine, up to ten days imprisonment or community service, or both. The county solid waste division, code enforcement and the county sheriff's office have concurrent enforcement authority. Section 32-58(e) adds a monthly advance disposal fee for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are businesses in Bonita Springs required to recycle?
How often must recycling be collected in Bonita Springs?
What are the penalties for not recycling in Bonita Springs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bonita Springs
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Bonita Springs to another location·View the Florida trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Lee County handle recycling requirements.