The Complete Guide to Recycling in Orlando

Find the Right Orlando Recycling Drop-Off for Your Waste 

Recycling is easy when you can just toss the item in your bin. But if you’re trying to recycle more than just plastic bottles and aluminum cans, you need to find the right recycling center in Orlando for your debris.   

Use this guide to Orange County recycling to find the right drop-off location for your needs.

Automotive | Construction & Remodeling Debris | Electronics & Appliances  | Household Items

Automotive

Automotive waste should never be thrown out with your trash. To keep Orlando clean, find a safe alternative for getting rid of car parts and fluids. Use this list to find Orange County recycling options for your automotive waste.

Car Batteries

Car batteries are full of toxic elements, including lead and mercury, and are not accepted in landfills. Find an Orlando-area recycling option below. 

Gasoline

If you have old gasoline, it’s essential to dispose of it safely in order to avoid fires and environmental contamination. Do not throw gasoline out with your household trash, instead take it a local hazardous waste collection facility.

Oil & Automotive Fluids

Automotive fluids, such as transmission fluid, antifreeze, and motor oil, contain potentially harmful chemicals. If you have old bottles of oil in your garage, don’t throw them in the trash. Instead, make sure they are kept in a sealed container and take them to a local recycling drop-off location. 

Tires

Improperly recycled tires can be hazardous and should not be disposed of like any other kind of household junk. Instead of decomposing, a landfilled tire will slowly fill with methane gas until it bursts, causing damage and releasing large amounts of emissions. That's why it's important to take your old tires to a qualified Orlando recycling drop-off center.

Cars

If you’re looking to get rid of an old car in Orlando, there are several locations that accept both working and junk cars. Donate your car to keep it out of the landfill.

Construction & Remodeling Debris

Completing a DIY renovation? If you have materials to get rid of when you’re finished, use this resource to find a recycling center or an organization that can make use of your materials.

Carpets

When it's time to update your flooring covers or rip out old carpet, consider giving your old rug new life by donating it.

Paint

Oil-based paints contain toxic chemicals, so never pour leftover paint down a drain or throw it out in the regular trash. Find an Orlando recycling center or a collection site that accepts paint to make sure it is disposed of safely.

Scrap Metal

Recycling scrap metal helps conserve natural resources and landfill space. It may even earn you a few bucks because most Orange County recycling centers will pay for your scrap. 

Electronics & Appliances

Most electronics contain hazardous chemicals that can leech into the environment when placed in landfills. Contact these Orlando electronics recycling centers to get e-waste off your hands without dropping it in the garbage can.

Check out our electronics disposal guide for more information.

Cellphones

Cellphones contain valuable rechargeable batteries, making them an ideal recyclable. Use the Orlando electronics recycling resources below to get rid of your old phone. 

Computers

As with most electronics, computers contain a number of hazardous metals, as well as valuable materials that should be conserved whenever possible. Explore the recycling options below when getting rid of a computer. 

Televisions

TVs contain lead, cadmium and other heavy metals that aren’t safe for landfill disposal. To prevent water and soil contamination in Orlando, get rid of old TVs the right way.

Appliances

Appliances actually contain a lot of recyclable plastics and metals. Use the list below to find a suitable recycler for your old appliances.

Check out our appliance disposal guide for more information. 

Household Items

Use this Orlando recycling resource to find ways to recycle household items before sending them to the landfill.

Mattresses

Mattresses are not always allowed in landfills, because of their size and the materials they contain. Before dropping your mattress on the curb, learn how to break down a mattress or find a solution for mattress removal in Orlando.

Check out our mattress disposal guide for more information.

Clothing & Bedding

If your old clothing or bedding is still in good condition, donating it will not only conserve resources but also help those in need.

Medications

Medicines can contaminate the water system or be accidentally ingested, causing potentially health consequences. Whenever possible, medications should be disposed of at a designated drop-off facility.

If you can’t make it to one of the locations below, take precautions before placing your medications in the trash. Pour them from their original bottles into a disposable container with a lid. Mix an undesirable substance like coffee grounds or cat litter into the container with the medication so it will not be accidentally ingested. Place the disposable container in the trash.

Sharps

Sharps, such as syringes and needles, carry a risk of spreading diseases. When throwing away sharps, place syringes, sharps or needles inside a sturdy plastic container with a lid, such as an empty bleach bottle. Once it is full, screw the lid on tightly and seal with duct tape. Then, label the container with the type of waste inside, then place it in your trash, not your recycling. Do not use a glass or see-through plastic container for sharps. 

Alternatively, you can take them to a sharps collection site. 
 

Food Waste

Instead of tossing your food waste in the garbage, find a place to donate it or turn it into compost. 

Additional Disposal & Recycling Options in Orlando 

For any items that can’t be donated or repurposed through Orange County recycling, consult this list of landfills and transfer stations. Note that most of these sites will not accept hazardous waste.