Yes! Recycling is the law in Miami Beach. Per section 90-340 and 90-341 of the City of Miami Beach Code, all properties in Miami Beach are required to have a single-stream recycling program in place.

Recycling non-compliance can be reported by emailing Sustainability@miamibeachfl.gov. They can also be reported via the city’s e-Gov app or by calling 305.604.CITY

Recycling can be very easy if you just focus on the following items: plastic bottles, metal cans, mixed paper, and cardboard!

For a more detailed breakdown of accepted items, visit our “what can I recycle?” page

Remember that pizza boxes, food/beverage takeout containers, and plastic bags are the biggest source of contamination and are not recyclable!

We recommend focusing on what you CAN recycle which is plastic bottles, metal cans, mixed paper, and cardboard. This will help keep the chance of contaminating your bin very low.

Material that is placed within your single stream recycling bin are sent to a material recovery facility. At the facility, each type of recyclable is either sorted by hand or by machine and are moved through a long series of conveyer belts in order to group them into types (i.e. cardboard with cardboard). Once sorted, they are pressed into giant square bails and sent off buyers of the material.

Plastic bags and cling wrap frequently damage and interfere with the operations of recycling plant. These types of items often require the entire plant to be shut down several times a day to clear the machinery. This is not only time consuming for plant employees but also a dangerous practice.

We recommend disposing of your recyclables in paper bags or leave them loose.   

There are a few reasons why not all plastics are recyclable.  The main reason is that recycling is a market-based industry. In 2017, China passed the National Sword policy banning certain types of plastic waste from being imported. This has had a huge impact on the industry, meaning that cities must focus on minimizing the amount of unwanted materials to ensure that all items sent to recycling facilities are actually recyclable.  Many waste contractors are now focusing on simplifying recycling for their customers in order to keep contamination rates low.

Another reason to keep in mind is that some types of plastics are designed differently and often cannot be created into new products because they burn at high temperatures instead of melting. This is an issue that must be addressed at the production level of products.

If your property is not accepting glass, please contact the Sustainability Division: Sustainability@miamibeachfl.gov. All waste contractors in Miami Beach are required to accept glass as part of the city’s recycling program.

Section 90-340 of the City of Miami Beach code requires all properties in the city to have a single stream recycling program in place, accessible by all residents, which includes but is not limited to the following items: Paper, glass, metal, and certain plastics. If your building is not accepting these items, please contact the Sustainability Division: Sustainability@miamibeachfl.gov

Electronics such as phones, computers, and televisions can be recycled at the city’s Drop Off Center:

Drop Off Center
2800 Meridian Avenue
Mon-Sat | 7AM – 5PM

Textiles can be dropped off at the City’s drop off center or any of the textile bins located throughout the city:

Drop Off Center
2800 Meridian Avenue
Mon-Sat | 7AM – 5PM

Textile Bins
Available 24 hours - Depending on their condition, textiles are either sent to thrift or donation stores or turned into new material.

The City hosts Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off events every year. Visit the events page to find out when the next one if scheduled.

As an alternative, the county has two Home Chemical Collection Centers:

West Dade Home Chemical Collection Center
8801 NW 58 Street, Doral, FL 33178
Wednesday - Sunday| 9AM - 5PM

South Dade Home Chemical Collection Center
23707 SW 97th Ave – Gate B, Homestead, FL 33032
Wednesday - Sunday| 9AM - 5PM

Educational material is available by property type. visit the pages below to view or download them.

Single-Family Properties

Multi-Family Properties

Commercial Properties

Can't find what you're looking for? We’re happy to share educational material for your property! Please contact the Sustainability Division: Sustainability@miamibeachfl.gov for more information.

The main goal of the recycling ordinance was to ensure that all properties in Miami Beach had a recycling service in place. There are items listed within the ordinance from when it was passed back in 2014 that are unfortunately not recyclable anymore.  The main reason is that recycling is a market based industry. In 2017, China passed the National Sword policy banning certain types of plastic waste from being imported. This has had a huge impact on the industry and many recycling plants have limited the types of materials they accepted. This also means that cities must focus on minimizing the amount of unwanted materials to ensure that all items sent to recycling facilities are actually recyclable.  Many waste haulers are now focusing on simplifying recycling for their customers in order to keep contamination rates low. This includes only accepting certain types of plastics.  Because changes in the industry can happen, items that are recyclable today may not be recyclable tomorrow.  Note that this is not just a Miami Beach issue. It is an issue across the country and world.