Educational tools, disposal tips, and new characters to help every resident recycle better
Hillsborough County's new Recycling Guide is out, helping residents of all ages learn proper recycling habits and better understand the County's solid waste services.
Developed by the Solid Waste Management department in partnership with the Tampa Bay Times Newspapers in Education program, the Recycling Guide is reviewed and approved by Hillsborough County Public Schools teachers.
It includes activities aligned with Florida Department of Education standards to support classroom learning.
This year, more than 155,000 copies were distributed across the County.
The guide is provided to all public school science classes and shared at community presentations, outreach events, and County facilities, including libraries.
The physical copies are printed on recycled-content paper; after becoming a better recycler, the guide can be recycled. For a zero-waste option, view the Recycling Guide online.
The guide serves as an all-in-one resource that makes it easier for residents to understand what can be recycled and how to properly dispose of other household materials.
It highlights free services such as
- Drop-off locations at Community Collection Centers for bulky items, paint, batteries, electronics, recyclables, and Household Hazardous Waste Collections for chemicals and batteries
- The online "Where Does It Go? Guide" search tool that connects you with donation centers, recyclers, and proper disposal locations for items to discard
- The Recycling Education webpage which features a virtual tour of the waste-to-energy facility and the Recycle Life Cycle video
Text only version of the River and Binny image
This year's guide also features the first in-print appearance of River the raccoon and Binny the recycling bin, who team up to answer common recycling questions. Whether you're learning like River or already a pro like Binny, the guide has helpful resources for everyone.
If you are interested in a digital version of the guide, visit HCFL.gov/RecyclingGuide. If you have questions about recycling, contact the Waste Reduction & Recycling program at Recycling@HCFL.gov.