Recycling Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding our curbside recycling program.

Did you know these common items are NOT recyclable?

  • Straws & Plastic Utensils
  • Plastics Bags
  • Bubble Mailers
  • Shredded Paper
  • Food Wrappers
  • Napkins
  • Batteries
  • Styrofoam
  • Clothing
  • Clothing Hangers (metal/plastic)
  • Plastic Party Cups (like Solo cups)
  • Greasy Pizza Boxes

What kind of cups are recyclable?

Plastic to-go and paper cups are now recyclable in Coral Springs. Remove straws and empty out liquids. Remove plastic lids from paper cups.

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Can I recycle my plastic to-go and clamshell containers?

Yes. Plastic clamshells, like strawberry containers, are recyclable. Just be sure they are clean and empty from food residue. No Styrofoam.

How can I keep recycling simple?

We encourage all residents to review the recycling guidelines, but to keep it simple and reduce contamination, start with:

  • Plastic bottles with screw caps on
  • Metal cans
  • Clean paper larger than an envelope (i.e., cardboard boxes, cereal/snack boxes, mail, and printer paper)

Remember to rinse food and liquid from containers and dry them out before placing them in the recycling bin.

Do I need to rinse out my recyclables?

Yes. A quick rinse helps eliminate odors and contributes to cleaner processing. Make sure items are dry and empty before placing them in the blue cart to avoid mixed paper or cardboard from getting excessively wet.

Can I place bottle caps in the blue cart?

Yes. Bottle caps can remain on bottles and be placed in the blue cart. Bottles should be free of liquid.

What type of glass can I place in the blue cart?

Brown, amber, green and clear glass are recyclable.

What glass is not recyclable?

  • Dishware and figurines of glass, ceramic, and porcelain
  • Crystal and stemware, and all drinkware
  • Glass from windows, automobiles, mirrors, picture frames and tabletops
  • Monitors and screens of any type
  • Magnifying glass, eyewear, and marbles
  • Light bulbs

Can I place shredded paper in the blue cart?

No. Shredded paper should be bagged and placed in the green cart. Once paper products have been shredded, they cannot be recycled in our curbside recycling program. If you wish to recycle shredded paper, please participate in our Shred-A-Thon event.

Can I recycle my pizza box?

Corrugated cardboard may be recycled. Wet or greasy cardboard like pizza boxes or fast-food boxes are considered a contaminant and belong in the garbage. Be sure to remove any plastic packaging or bags from your boxes and flatten your boxes to make more room in your bin for other recyclables.

What type of paperboard may I recycle?

Uncoated paperboard such as cereal and snack boxes may be recycled. Please avoid recycling coated cartons such as those used in frozen food packaging. Empty, clean, and dry liquid cartons (milk and juice boxes; Tetrapak) may be recycled.

What if my recyclables get wet?

If your recyclables get wet, do not worry. As long as cardboard and paper is not disintegrating, they can still be placed in the blue bin. Containers must be empty of any liquids. Avoid recyclables from getting soaked by properly closing your blue bin.

Can I bag my recyclables?

No. Recyclables should be kept loose. Plastic bags, bagged trash, and bagged recyclables are the largest sources of contamination in our curbside recycling stream. If recyclables are bagged in Coral Springs’ residential recycling service, they will be considered “garbage” at the recycling facility and factored as contamination. If you use a bag to carry recyclables, empty the contents into your cart and then reuse the bag or recycle it at a participating grocery or retail store.

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Do I have to take off all the stickers and labels from my recyclables?

No. It is ok to have stickers and small labels on recyclables.

Can I recycle plastic bottles that have pumps?

Yes, but remove the pump first. Recycle the bottle's body if it is clean and empty. DO NOT recycle the pump—place it in the general garbage. Pumps are typically made from a combination of different plastics, metal springs, and other small components that cannot be easily separated during the recycling process, making them difficult to recycle.

My building/community does not recycle. Where can I drop off recyclables?

Coral Springs residents may drop off bulk, recycling, and organic materials every weekend at the Waste Transfer Station. A Special Hazardous Waste drop-off is available several times a year on specific dates. The service is free of charge for Coral Springs residents. Valid I.D. and proof of address must be presented.

What are mixed-material items, and why can’t they be recycle?

Mixed-material items are products made from two or more materials, such as plastic and metal or paper and plastic. These materials are difficult to separate during sorting, so many mixed-material products cannot be recycled through curbside recycling program.

Common mix material items:

  • Pump dispensers
  • Mirrors
  • Toothpaste tubes
  • Juice pouches
  • Coffee pods
  • Bubble mailers
  • Frozen food boxes
  • Gift wrap with foil or glitter
  • Laminated paper
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