Tampa, FL Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Tampa's Recyclable and Recovered Materials Ordinance (Chapter 26, Article V) governs curbside recycling collection. Section 26-204(a) requires that any recovery of recyclable or recovered materials by someone other than the city, its contractors, licensees or permittees occur before solid waste is placed in a permitted refuse bin or set out for collection, and subjects that recovery to state and local public health and safety laws. Section 26-204(b) flatly bans unauthorized removal of materials from a recycling can, box, bin, or facility at a curbside collection location, a rule aimed squarely at bin-pickers and scrap scavengers who work Tampa's collection routes ahead of the trucks.

Section 26-204(c) backs that ban with a property rule: once recyclables are placed in a permitted bin, box, can, or recycling facility, they become the property of the city or its franchisees, licensees, or permittees, cutting off any claim that removed items were unclaimed or abandoned. Haulers in the recycling business also carry ongoing paperwork duties under § 26-204(d), they must list and report to the director, on Department-prepared forms, the quantity of materials recycled, due biannually or more often if the director requests it.

The Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management administers the program, and private companies collecting, storing, separating, or transporting recyclables from a specific address must additionally hold a recycling permit under § 26-203, renewed annually.