Bonita Springs, FL Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

The Bonita Springs City Council adopted mandatory recycling in Division 2 of Chapter 32 (Ord. No. 07-21, dated 12-5-2007). Section 32-56 states the goal: keep recyclables from multifamily properties, commercial establishments and construction and demolition activity out of the landfill so they are processed and reused.

Under § 32-58, each business inside the city limits picks one recyclable material to recycle, and that primary material is the one making up the largest portion of the business' waste stream. The approved list covers fiber products (mixed office paper, newspaper, corrugated cardboard and paperboard), co-mingled containers (aluminum cans, tin or steel cans, glass bottles and jars, and #1 through #7 plastic containers), ferrous metal, nonferrous metal and wood. The business signs a written service agreement with a service provider, keeps using the designated franchise hauler for refuse, and chooses and negotiates prices with its own recycling provider. Businesses on minimum refuse service, as the solid waste division defines it, are exempt.

Containers must be labeled in English with the word "recycling" or "recyclable" or the chasing arrows symbol, plus "No Trash" wording. Outdoor containers must be covered and secured against blowing, leaking and vermin, and the property owner keeps storage areas clean, sanitary and litter-free. Each business keeps a recycling program form on site, educates employees through an ongoing program with recycling information handed out to all employees at least annually, and answers a written records request from the solid waste division within 20 working days.

Section 32-59 covers multifamily property, defined as five dwelling units or more on a single parcel, including apartments, condominiums, mobile home parks and recreational vehicle parks. Those properties must collect mixed paper, cardboard, glass containers, #1 through #7 plastic, metal and aluminum cans, white goods and electronic devices, with pickup at a minimum weekly. The director of the solid waste division can grant a hardship exemption that lasts no more than one year, and Section 32-60 adds a separate diversion requirement of at least fifty percent for covered construction and demolition projects.