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Palm Beach County, FL Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Scavenging recyclables
Unlawful without written authorization
Max fine
$500 per violation
Max jail time
60 days
Applies to
Unincorporated county only
Enforced by
Code Enforcement, Solid Waste Authority

Summary

Palm Beach County makes it a crime to scavenge or remove recyclables once residents set them at the curb for pickup, and requires anyone collecting recyclable material to hold a county franchise. The rule applies only in unincorporated areas.

City-specific rules exist: West Palm Beach has its own recycling rules rules that differ from Palm Beach County's county-level regulations. If you live in West Palm Beach, check the city-specific page instead.

It shall be unlawful for any person to scavenge or to remove without written authorization from the county or solid waste authority, any recyclable material or recovered material set out by residents of the unincorporated areas of the county for collection under any county or solid waste authority recycling program.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Section 25-6(c), once residents in unincorporated Palm Beach County set out recyclable or recovered material for pickup under a county or Solid Waste Authority recycling program, no one may scavenge it or remove it without written authorization from the county or the SWA. Separately, Section 25-3 requires any business collecting residential recyclable material to first obtain a franchise through the Solid Waste Authority. Cities like West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Delray Beach run their own recycling programs and are not covered by this county rule.

Violations & Fines

Violating Section 25-6 is punishable under the Code's general penalty, Sec. 1-11: a fine up to $500, up to 60 days in county jail, or both. Each day of violation is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take items out of a neighbor's recycling bin at the curb?
No. Once it's set out for county collection, removing it without written authorization from the county or Solid Waste Authority violates Sec. 25-6(c) and can bring a fine or jail time.
Does this scavenging ban apply in West Palm Beach or Boca Raton?
No. It only governs unincorporated Palm Beach County. Incorporated cities like West Palm Beach and Boca Raton set their own recycling collection rules.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Palm Beach County

Bulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome Restrictions

All Palm Beach County rules

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Recycling Rules in Cities Across Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach, FLBoca Raton, FLBoynton Beach, FLDelray Beach, FLJupiter, FL