Your Recycling Routine Just Got an Upgrade
Published on February 24, 2026
Miami-Dade County’s Department of Solid Waste Management has updated its acceptable items list to include these common household disposables. The change makes recycling easier, reduces confusion, and helps divert more waste from local landfills.
How to recycle cups correctly
To ensure cups are recycled properly, please follow these simple steps:
- Empty the cup completely
- Keep it clean and dry
- Place it loose in the bin (do not bag recyclables)
What can be recycled
Paper
Cups, clean and dry newspapers, magazines, catalogs, phone books and office paper (no wax-lined paper)
Cardboard
Packing, cereal, pizza and gift boxes (flatten before placing in cart)
Cans
Steel and aluminum food and beverage cans, aluminum bottles
Cartons
Aseptic and poly-coated drink boxes, juice cartons and milk cartons
Bottles (plastic and glass)
Glass bottles and plastic bottles including milk, water, detergent, soda and shampoo
(Flatten plastic bottles and replace the cap)
Tubs, jugs and cups
Butter and yogurt tubs, milk and detergent jugs, plastic drink cups and fast food to-go cups
Note: Miami-Dade County accepts plastic bottle containers regardless of the number listed.
What cannot be recycled
Plastic bags
Do not bag recyclables or place loose bags in the cart
Soiled items
Paper or cardboard soiled with liquid or food waste
Batteries
Dry cell and lead-acid batteries
Certain plastics
Utensils, plates, clamshell containers, polystyrene (foam), egg cartons, trays and hangers
Certain glass
Window and auto glass, light bulbs, mirrors, cookware and ceramics
Household items
Wire coat hangers, small appliances, microwave trays, electronics and textiles (clothing and bedding)
Hazardous and medical items
Paint, pesticides, chemicals, medical waste and pharmaceuticals
Debris and flammables
Gas cylinders, tanks, rocks, dirt, building debris, hoses and flammables
Supporting Pinecrest’s broader environmental efforts
This recycling update builds on Pinecrest’s commitment to sustainability, including the Village’s free composting program. Thanks to strong resident participation, Pinecrest has diverted more than 166,000 pounds of organic waste from landfills to date.
That progress has helped support the Village’s environmental leadership, including the receipt of two Sustainability awards and a $400,000 federal grant to expand and strengthen local sustainability initiatives.
Adding plastic and paper cups to your recycling bin is another simple step residents can take to reduce our environmental footprint and maximize the impact of Pinecrest’s waste services.
Questions?
Contact the Miami-Dade Recycling department by dialing 311.