West Palm Beach, FL Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Section 74-1 defines 'recyclable material' as material approved by the solid waste authority that would otherwise be refused but can be reused and is accepted by a material recycling facility, and it specifically requires that 'all recyclable material shall be source-separated,' meaning residents can't mix recyclables into the regular trash and expect them diverted at the curb. ' Placement is governed separately by § 74-35(d): recyclables go out in the containers the city provides, at least five feet from garbage and refuse, except in alley-collection areas, where recyclables instead go to the front of the property rather than the alley, no more than six feet from the street, and never on the sidewalk.

Commercial recycling works differently under § 74-33(b)(4): the city will not collect commercial recyclables at all unless a business has made prior arrangements with the city, so a restaurant or office can't simply set a recycling bin at the curb and expect a pickup without first setting up that account.