The City of Sarasota will begin rolling out new recycling carts for residents next week, as it officially launches its “single-stream” collection service. The 65-gallon carts will replace the smaller bins currently used for residential recycling. The new carts come with wheels for easy maneuvering and attached lids to keep recyclables dry and prevent them from becoming litter. All recyclable materials can be placed together in the new carts. To reduce costs, the City applied for and received a grant of more than $100,000 from The Recycling Partnership to help pay for the new carts. Sarasota was one of only six cities nationwide selected to receive the nonprofit’s Coastal and Waterway Community Recycling Grant.

Approximately 15,000 carts will be delivered to residential customers throughout March. Residents can start using those new carts on their regular collection days beginning April 1. Old recycling bins can then be placed curbside for pickup during the month of April so that the City can re-purpose or recycle them. The City’s contract with current provider Waste Pro expires March 31, and the Solid Waste division of the Public Works Department will take over recycling and bulk waste item collection in April.

City officials ask that residents continue to do their part by placing only recyclable materials in their carts. Some items that can’t be recycled: plastic bags, pizza boxes, clothing, linens, anything containing food or liquid and any wires, hoses or chains that could tangle recycling equipment. For more information and instructions on what can and can’t be recycled, plus other Frequently Asked Questions, visit the website below.

City of Sarasota Solid Waste Division