Florida County Shuts Down Curbside Recycling Following Massive Cost Increase

Clay County, Fla. is ending its curbside recycling services later this year, upsetting residents.

Earlier this month, County Commissioners voted to change the county’s garbage and recycling services, effectively shuttering curbside recycling after October 1.

“I like the fact that I felt like I wasn’t filling up the landfill and now I’m going to be filling up the landfill,” said Ann Smith who lives in the area.

Officials say the decision to cut curbside recycling is due to increased costs. Back in September 2023, the county’s processing fee increased from 6 dollars a ton to 85 dollars a ton.

“By eliminating recycling we’re able to bring the pricing down even a little bit more. And still almost 10 percent more than what they were paying before and there is no recycling. So that is kind of where we are,” said Latham.

In 2023, Clay County collected over 3,700 tons of curbside recycling and 79,000 tons of garbage.

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