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

The City of Tampa Recyclable and Recovered Materials Ordinance, codified at Chapter 26, Article V, defines curbside recycling as collection "from that area within an unobstructed arm reach from the curb or edge of the pavement of a public street or alley serviced by the Department, its contractor or permitted private recycling service" (Sec. 26-202). Once materials are recovered and source separated, the Code states plainly that "Recovered materials as described herein are not solid waste" (Sec. 26-202), keeping recyclables outside the general waste-disposal rules.

Sec. 26-203(a) requires a recycling permit whenever a commercial refuse bin, roll-off container, or compactor is used "to engage in the business of collecting, receiving, separating, storing or transporting any recyclable or recovered materials within the city," with permits valid for one calendar year and renewable annually or upon any change of hauler (Sec. 26-203(f)). Religious and educational institutions are exempt from the permit and application fee under Sec. 26-203(c). Ownership of set-out material shifts to the city once placed in a permitted bin: "Any and all recyclable or recovered materials once placed in a permitted bin, box, can, or recycling facility becomes the property of the city or its franchisees, licensees, or permittees" (Sec.

26-204(c)). Commercial permit holders must report recycled quantities to the director biannually (Sec. 26-204(d)). The residential cart itself is covered under Sec. 26-166(a), which gives each household one 95-gallon recycling cart alongside the solid waste cart, with additional carts available for an added charge.