Coconut Creek, FL Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

Article III of Chapter 12 of the Coconut Creek Code (Recyclable Waste) was repealed and replaced by Ord. No. 2023-003, adopted April 27, 2023. Three of its sections define how the residential and general recycling program works.

Section 12-53 protects the program's material. It is a violation for any person, firm or corporation not authorized by the city, in writing through its franchise, to collect or remove any item that has been specifically placed for collection in the city's recycling program. Anything a resident sets out for recycling therefore belongs to the franchise hauler, and a private scavenger or unlicensed collector who takes it commits a violation.

Section 12-54 sets the charge. The rate for recycling is set by resolution of the city commission, and the commission can establish different rates for units that use mechanized recycling containers and units that use non-mechanized recycling containers. Failure to pay is a violation of the article and, in addition to any other penalty, can subject the house or unit to an interruption in its water and wastewater service until the charge is satisfied. That utility-shutoff remedy is unusual and gives the charge real force.

Section 12-56 keeps dangerous contents out: containers containing hazardous or noxious wastes are excluded from the recycling program.

Separate definitions in section 12-21 draw the line on what counts as rubbish. Rubbish includes recyclable materials that are not source separated, so mixing recyclables into general trash changes how the material is classified. Commercial properties that recycle recovered materials have their own annual registration duty under section 12-61, and section 12-22 requires owners, tenants and residents to use the services of the city's franchise contractor for waste collection and disposal. Section 12-29 timing rules on when materials can be put out apply to materials collected under Article II.