Commonly Asked Questions

Where does all of the recycling go once it has been sorted?
Where does all of the recycling go once it has been sorted?
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​​Material​ ​End Product or Use
Quarterly
Tonnage​
 ​Processing Location
​​Mixed Residential Paper and Newsprint Container board (cereal boxes), cardboard tubes, and other protective packaging​ 612​ ​Austell Paper Mill: Austell, GA
​Cardboard (OCC) ​New cardboard 2,679​ Pine Hill Mill: Pine Hill, AL;​
Seminole Mill: Jacksonville, FL
Soda and Water bottles (PET Plastic) RPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) flake to be used for carpet products, clothing and other recycled polyester products.​ 234​ Clear Path: Fayetteville, NC;​
MoHawk Ind: Summerville, GA;
Marglen Ind: Rome, GA
Detergent bottles Etc. (Pigmented HDPE Plastic) (OCC) Plastic flakes and pellets to be used for making recycled pipe, plastic lumber, paint containers and for plastic injection molding applications (toys, trash cans, lids, etc.…) ​62 Blue Ridge Plastics: Eden, NC;​
Unifi Inc: Reidsville, NC;
K&W Plastics: Troy, AL
Milk Jugs Etc. (Natural HDPE Plastic) Plastic flakes and pellets to be used for making recycled pipe, plastic lumber, paint containers and for plastic injection molding applications (toys, trash cans, lids, etc.…)​ ​64 Blue Ridge Plastics: Eden, NC;
Unifi Inc: Reidsville, NC;
K&W Plastics: Troy, AL
Mixed Plastics Plastic is sorted, shredded, washed and the different grades are sold to end users for different plastic products​ 37 Recycling Revolutions: Unadilla, Ga
Aluminum Cans New beverage containers​ 87 ​Constellium: Muscle Shoals, AL;
Tri Arrow: Russellville, KY
Tin Cans New food cans or rebar​ 87 National Materials Processing: Chicago, IL​
Glass The glass is sorted for color, cleaned, processed, and sold to end‐users for the following products: Glass Containers, Fiberglass, Highway Bead, Glass Abrasives, Paint Filters, and Specialty Glass for decoration​ 604 Strategic Materials: Sarasota, FL​
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False
Disaster 101 Preparedness: Be Ready Early
Disaster 101 Preparedness: Be Ready Early
BE PREPARED BEFORE THE STORM
Have a Basic Disaster Kit with:

• 3 days of water (1-3 gal/day/person)
• Food (3 day supply)
• Battery or crank powered radio
• Extra Batteries
• NOAA weather radio with true alert
• Flashlight
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter
• Wrench or plyers to turn off utilities
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, diverter or solar charger
• Prescription medication and glasses
• Instant formula and diapers
• Pet food and water for pets
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• Important documents in waterproof portable container
• Sleeping bag or blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, towels and utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
​
False
How do I get replacement recycling bins and/or trashcans that are damaged or missing?
How do I get replacement recycling bins and/or trashcans that are damaged or missing?

Please call Alachua County’s Office of Waste Collection (352-338-3233) during regular business hours to inform staff of your needs. A work order will then be submitted for replacement recycling bins and/or for the repair or replacement of a trash can. All work orders are sent in on Thursday, and will be fulfilled the following week on the customer’s collection day.​

False
Do I have to pay to have recycling bins delivered to my house?
Do I have to pay to have recycling bins delivered to my house?

​If you subscribe to curbside waste collection services in Alachua County, there is no additional charge to participate in the recycling program. Please call Alachua County’s Office of Waste Collection for more information, 352-338-3233.​

False
How do I get an appliance picked up?
How do I get an appliance picked up?

​Residents who would like appliances, such as stoves, washers and dryers, picked up must call Alachua County’s Office of Waste Collection, (352) 338-3233, and City of Gainesville residents must call the city’s office, (352) 334-2330, to schedule a pickup of these items. Special collections of exterior materials may be arranged for a fee​.

False
What are the hours of the Rural Collection Centers?
What are the hours of the Rural Collection Centers?
​Operating Days
  • Monday - Tuesday:
    7:30am - 5:30pm

  • Wednesday - Thursday: 
    CLOSED

  • Friday - Saturday: 
    7:30am - 5:30pm

  • Sunday: 
    CLOSED​
False
What are the Holiday hours?
What are the Holiday hours?

​Only six holidays will affect collection service: 

  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas
  • New Year's Day
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday (observed)
  • Memorial Day
  • The Fourth of July
​There will be no collection on these holidays and collection services for the remainder of the week will be delayed by one day. The following week, collection will return to the normal schedule​.

False
What Bulk items are collected curbside?
What Bulk items are collected curbside?

​Bulk items include furniture such as couches, tables, chairs and desks. Limited amounts of interior remodeling debris will also be collected.

False
Which number should I call for assistance?
Which number should I call for assistance?

​If you have an inquiry about residential curbside trash or recycling services in the unincorporated area of Alachua County, please call our Waste Collection office at 352-338-3233.  If you are unsure, please call so we can help you determine who services your area in Alachua County.​

False
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Contact

​
  • Solid Waste & Resource Recovery
  • 5620 NW 120th Lane
  • Gainesville, FL 32653
  • Phone: 352-374-5213
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
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