Commercial Waste & Recycling

Overview

All commercially-collected waste generators in the City of Gainesville are required to arrange garbage collection services with one of the private companies authorized (franchised) to provide commercial solid waste services within the city. This includes construction and demolition debris collection and disposal services to properties within the City of Gainesville. Commercially-collected generators includes but is not limited to, businesses such as hotels, motels, restaurants, bars, retail stores, offices, institutions, apartments, and condominiums.

All commercially-collected waste generators in the City of Gainesville are required to recycle designated materials as specified by the city’s Mandatory Commercial Recycling Ordinance. Commercially-collected generators includes but is not limited to, businesses such as hotels, motels, restaurants, bars, retail stores, offices, institutions, apartments, and condominiums.

Commercial Regulations & Ordinances

Single-Use Plastic Straw & Stirrer Ban

In an effort to improve our environmental ethic and sustainability practices, the City Commission approved a ban of single-use plastic straws and stirrers by food service providers and retail establishments. Gainesville’s Single-Use Plastic Straw and Stirrer Ban went into effect on January 1, 2020.

sea turtle in the ocean The goal of the city is to replace these items with reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives. Plastic straws and stirrers are not biodegradable and can end up in our waterways potentially harming marine wildlife. Plastic straws and stirrers remain intact or break down into smaller pieces of plastics (Microplastics) which can be consumed by sea animals, fish, and birds.

This ban includes straws made from “biologically-based polymers” (e.g., “PLA” or “PHA” materials). Products made from biologically-based polymers are often deceptively advertised as compostable or made from plants. These products can have the same damaging effects on our environment since they don’t break down naturally.

Acceptable single-use alternatives include paper, bamboo, and wheat products.

FAQ

Can food service providers or retailers sell single-use plastic straws?

Food service providers are not permitted to sell or use these items.

Retail establishments can sell prepackaged beverages with a single-use plastic straw (e.g., juice boxes) and boxes of prepackaged single-use plastic straws or single-use plastic stirrers offered for retail sale to a consumer for personal use.

Are there any exceptions to this ordinance?

While discontinuation of all use of single-use plastic straws and stirrers is strongly encouraged, this ordinance does not specifically apply to:

  • Persons with disabilities;
  • Prepackaged beverages with a single-use plastic straw (e.g., juice boxes);
  • Boxes of prepackaged single-use plastic straws or single-use plastic stirrers that are offered for retail sale to a consumer for personal use; or
  • Medical facilities, dental facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities.
What about special event vendors?

Any special event permittees or any vendor operating under a city permit will not be permitted to sell, use or provide single-use plastic straws and stirrers.

What are the enforcement penalties for noncompliance with this ordinance?

The city may enforce this article by a civil citation of $125.00 per occurrence or per day.

Ordinance No. 210129, Ch. 27, Div. 5, Sec. 27-90.

Commercial Recycling Ordinance

All commercially-collected waste generators in the City of Gainesville are required to recycle designated materials as specified by the City’s Mandatory Commercial Recycling Ordinance. Commercially-collected generators includes but is not limited to, businesses such as hotels, motels, restaurants, bars, retail stores, offices, institutions, apartments, and condominiums.

The City of Gainesville’s Solid Waste Division is available to help businesses fulfill the requirements of the Mandatory Commercial Recycling Ordinance. Solid Waste Division professionals are available to provide technical assistance in starting up recycling programs, reaching compliance with the ordinance, and a listing of commercial service providers.

Any business generating 15% or more by volume of the following designated recyclable materials in their waste stream are required to separate and recycle these materials.

Containers:

  • Metal Cans (steel and aluminum)
  • Glass Bottles & Jars
  • Plastic Bottles, Jugs & Jars

Papers:

  • Corrugated Cardboard
  • Paperboard
  • Newspaper, Magazines, Catalogs, Manuals, Paper Bags, Phone Books, & Paperback Books
  • Office Paper (including shredded paper) & Junk Mail (unwanted mail)

FAQ

Why was this ordinance adopted?

To protect the public health, safety, and welfare of city residents, visitors, and future generations by increasing waste diversion and to protect our environment.

Are there any exemptions to this ordinance?

Any business determined to be generating less than 15% by volume of the designated recyclable materials in their waste stream would be exempt from this ordinance.

What about recycling special events?

The city’s commercial recycling ordinance includes the commercial collection of materials from events, fairs, and festivals.

Are there any exceptions to this ordinance?

If the commercially-collected generator can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the city manager or designee that the volume of designated recyclable materials generated is de minimus or space is not available at a given property for additional container placement. Each exemption request must be completed and submitted every six months using forms provided by the city. The commercially-collected generator shall be notified in writing within sixty days of whether its exemption request is granted or denied.

A commercial establishment may appeal the imposition of a surcharge to the city manager or designee within 15 calendar days of such imposition. The notice of appeal shall include all information and grounds the commercial generator wants to be considered by the city manager or designee as to why the surcharge should not be imposed. The city manager or designee shall have 15 calendar days to affirm or abate the surcharge. The determination of the city manager or designee shall be final.

What are the enforcement penalties for noncompliance with this ordinance?

The city may enforce this article by a civil citation of $125.00 per occurrence or per day.

Ordinance No. 210129, Ch. 27, Div. 3, Sec. 27-85.

Single-Use Plastic Food Accessories By Request Only

single use plastic food accessories by request only with plastic utensils, condiment packets and portion cups Prepared food providers shall not provide single-use plastic food accessories (such as plastic utensils, condiment packets, portion cups) for dine-in, take-out or delivery, unless the single-use food accessory is specifically requested by the customer or is provided at a customer self-serve station.

FAQ

Why was this ordinance adopted?

This ordinance aims to reduce the wasteful practice of providing unwanted and unneeded extra single-use plastic items that can result in increased litter and harm our environment.

Are there any exceptions to this ordinance?

Single-use plastic food accessories can be provided when specifically requested by a customer and provided at a customer self-service station within the establishment.

Also, items provided to prevent spills and injuries, such as coffee spill plugs, splash sticks, cup lids, cup sleeves, and cup trays, are not considered single-use plastic food accessories under this ordinance.

Are there alternative products that can be used in place of plastic items?

Absolutely. Food establishments that replace plastic accessories with eco-friendly biodegradable and compostable alternatives may continue to automatically provide items with orders without the customer having to request the items. For example, replacing plastic spoons for to-go soup orders with spoons made from corn starch or replacing plastic salad dressing portion cups for to-go salad orders with compostable paper cups for the salad dressing.

Please note, plastic straw alternatives are limited to only paper, bamboo, and wheat products.

What are the enforcement penalties for noncompliance with this ordinance?

The city may enforce this article by a civil citation of $125.00 per occurrence or per day.

Ordinance No. 210129, Ch. 27, Div. 5, Sec. 27-91.

Public Litter Receptacles

An equal number of recycling receptacles to be placed for the collection of designated recyclables next to the garbage receptacles; and, must integrate labeling consisting of text and images on the body or adjacent to the opening of the container that is consistent with City provided samples provided by the solid waste division.

Sample public litter receptacle labels(PDF, 539KB)

FAQ

What are the requirements for public litter receptacles?

Each indoor and outdoor public garbage collection receptacle provided by a commercial establishment must be paired with a recycling collection receptacle.

These receptacles must integrate labeling consisting of text and images on the body or adjacent to the opening of the container that is consistent with city provided samples.

Why was this ordinance adopted?

To encourage the public to recycle by requiring additional recycling collection containers to be placed next to garbage containers at commercial establishments and requiring labeling for solid waste containers.

Are there any exceptions to this ordinance?

If a commercial establishment cannot meet the requirements to provide an equal number of garbage and recycling receptacles, the commercial establishment shall cooperate with the city to develop an acceptable alternative plan for the placement of recycling receptacles. The city will make the final determination based on the recycling materials produced at the establishment and the available space for receptacle placement at the commercial establishment.

What are the enforcement penalties for noncompliance with this ordinance?

The city may enforce this article by a civil citation of $125.00 per occurrence or per day.

Ordinance No. 210129, Ch. 27, Div. 1, Sec. 27-75.e. & Ch. 27, Div. 3, Sec. 27-85.e.2.

Commercial Collection Frequency (Food Service Establishments)

Restaurants, Bars, Grocery Stores & Other Food Service Establishments - Commercial-collected waste generators not serviced by a compacting dumpster are required to receive garbage collection service no less than 4 days per week if open 7 days a week, and no less than 3 days per week if open 5 or 6 days a week.

FAQ

Why was this ordinance adopted?

To improve the health, safety, welfare, and aesthetics of the nearby community by requiring more frequent collection from certain commercial establishments and commercially-collected residential properties and requiring property owners to provide adequate space for commercial tenants to dispose of solid waste. Larger volumes of garbage left uncollected can result in odor and pest control problems.

Food service establishments often produce a lot of food and food contaminated waste, and dumpsters can quickly become overfilled. When left uncollected in our Florida heat for several days, this waste often can lead to odor control issues in and around dumpster collection areas. The odors from uncollected waste often attract rodents and scavenger animals that will break open garbage bags in dumpsters.

dumpsters with bird problems and overflowing problems

Are there any exceptions to this ordinance?

If a commercial establishment cannot meet the requirements of this ordinance, the commercial establishment shall cooperate with the city to develop an acceptable collection plan. The city will make the final determination based on the location, type of waste generated, and the volume of waste generated at the commercial establishment.

What are the enforcement penalties for noncompliance with this ordinance?

The city may enforce this article by a civil citation of $100.00 per occurrence or per day.

Ordinance No. 210129, Ch. 27, Div. 1, Sec. 27-75.b.

Commercial Food Waste Collection

EFFECTIVE: 6/1/2023

Commercial establishments that generate one cubic yard of food waste or more per week shall separate food waste from the waste stream and collect food waste in containers that are separate from garbage and recovered materials.

OPTIONS:

  1. Proof of valid current contract with a food waste registrant collector; or
  2. Provide receipt for delivery of food waste to a food waste processing facility that meets permitting requirements of the State of Florida.

FAQ

What is commercial food waste?

Commercial food waste shall mean food that is no longer edible or fit for human or animal consumption, nonedible parts of food, or food soiled paper, resulting from food production, preparation, and consumption activities generated from a food service establishment.

Why was this ordinance adopted?

This ordinance is necessary to achieve the waste reduction goals of the city by ensuring maximum processing of food waste. Diverting food waste from the waste stream reduces greenhouse gases like methane from being generated when food waste breaks down in landfills. Far fewer greenhouse gases are produced when food waste is processed through composting, and nutrients are returned to the soil or provided in a finished compost product.

Are there any exceptions to this ordinance?

If the food service establishment is unable to meet the requirement of this ordinance, the food waste establishment shall work with the city to develop an acceptable alternative plan for the collection of food waste, with the city making the final determination as to the location of the commercial service container.

What are the enforcement penalties for noncompliance with this ordinance?

The city may enforce this article by a civil citation of $125.00 per occurrence or per day.

Ordinance No. 210626, Ch. 27, Div. 7.

Commercial Food Waste Diversion

EFFECTIVE: 6/1/2023

EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy upside down pyramid Food retailers that occupy at least 25,000 sq. ft. (including but not limited to grocery stores, convenience stores, meat markets, poultry markets, fish and related aquatic food markets, and produce markets) shall divert food or food waste from the waste stream following the hierarchy below (listed in order of priority):

  1. Feeding hungry people;
  2. Feeding animals;
  3. Providing for industrial uses; and/or
  4. Composting.

EFFECTIVE: 1/1/2024

Food service establishments that occupy at least 4,500 sq. ft., businesses with a commercial kitchen(s) where the kitchen(s) occupies at least 1,000 sq. ft., businesses engaged in selling food to other businesses, food manufacturers (excluding food service establishments) engaged in processing or fabricating food products from raw materials for sale directly to the public, retailers, or wholesalers shall divert food or food waste from the waste stream following the hierarchy below (listed in order of priority):

  1. Feeding hungry people;
  2. Feeding animals;
  3. Providing for industrial uses; and/or
  4. Composting.

FAQ

What is commercial food waste diversion?

Food waste diversion, also known as food recovery, prevents surplus food stuffs from going into the waste stream (garbage). Food waste diversion can be achieved through different forms and can provide various social, economic, and environmental benefits. The highest form of food diversion involves collecting wholesome but unused or unsalable food for distribution to those in need. Food waste diversion reduces waste and decreases resource burden by collecting excess food for use in animal feed, industrial uses (e.g., biofuel production), and composting.

Why was this ordinance adopted?

Diverting edible food and wasted food to higher purposes provides direct and substantial benefits. Food diversion programs provide nutritious meals for hungry people in our community, minimize the environmental burden associated with agricultural production, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Will it cost more to implement a food diversion program?

The cost of implementing a food diversion program can easily be offset by reduced disposal costs now that less waste material is generated. Food waste diversion programs also allow businesses to be socially responsible in a noncontroversial way, introduce sustainable practices, and garner goodwill within the community and customers.

Are there legal risks for businesses to give away food?

No. Robust statutory protections for good faith donations (Federal Bill Emerson Act) of apparently wholesome foods exist to protect and encourage those with excess but edible food to donate to organizations that feed the hungry. These laws eliminate the risk of liability for negligence claims associated with food donation.

Are there any exceptions to this ordinance?

If the commercially-collected generator demonstrates to the satisfaction of the city manager or designee that it is unable to comply due to lack of available service providers or facilities that accept food or food waste. Each exemption request must be completed every six months and submitted using forms provided by the city. Commercial generators shall be notified in writing within sixty days of whether their exemption request is granted or denied.

What are the enforcement penalties for noncompliance with this ordinance?

The city may enforce this article by a civil citation.

Ordinance No. 210626, Ch. 27, Div. 7.

Prescription Take Back

EFFECTIVE: 6/1/2023

green prescription medication disposal container Pharmacies are to provide publicly accessible containers for the destruction of prescription medicines or drugs on-site at the location where prescription drugs are dispensed.

FAQ

Why was this ordinance adopted?

To provide residents and visitors a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs and reduce the potential for drug misuse by requiring retail commercial establishments that dispense prescription drugs to have a prescription drug take back program. Improperly discarded medications can harm people and the environment.

Are there any exceptions to this ordinance?

No.

What are the enforcement penalties for noncompliance with this ordinance?

The city may enforce this article by a civil citation of $125.00 per occurrence or per day.

Ordinance No. 210129, Ch. 27, Div. 3, Sec. 27-85.h.

Shared Commercial Service

Property owners shall provide commercial establishment tenants with space for commercial service containers for garbage and recycling collection or make reasonable accommodations for shared commercial service containers for garbage and recycling collection in a convenient and nearby location. The commercial service containers should be located such that collection equipment can safely collect waste within the commercial service containers and such that the location of the commercial service containers does not create a health or litter hazard due to the distance from the tenant’s commercial establishment. If the property owner is unable to meet the above requirement, the property owner shall cooperate with the city to develop an acceptable alternative plan for the collection of waste from the tenant, with the city making the final determination as to the location of the commercial service container.

FAQ

Why was this ordinance adopted?

To improve the community's health, safety, welfare, and aesthetics and ensure that each commercial establishment has convenient access to solid waste services (garbage, recycling, food waste composting, etc.) by requiring property owners to provide adequate space for commercial tenants to dispose of solid waste.

Are there any exceptions to this ordinance?

If the property owner is unable to meet the requirement of this ordinance, the property owner shall cooperate with the city to develop an acceptable alternative plan for the collection of waste from the tenant, with the city making the final determination as to the location of the commercial service container.

What are the enforcement penalties for noncompliance with this ordinance?

The city may enforce this article by a civil citation of $125.00 per occurrence or per day.

Ordinance No. 210129, Ch. 27, Div. 3, Sec. 27-85.e.3.

Standardization of Waste Decals

By October 1, 2023, commercial service providers shall follow the City's approved color and educational labeling format on every commercial service container, except for construction and demolition debris collection containers.

Ordinance No. 210129, Ch. 27, Div. 3, Sec. 27-75.d.2.d.

For more information, visit Standardization of Waste Decals.

 

Permitting Guidelines on Solid Waste & Recycling Dumpster Enclosures for New Construction

Download Guidelines & Specs(PDF, 803KB)

Collection vehicle approach and turn radius diagram Residential Properties (Single Family, Duplexes, Quadraplexes)

  • All residences should have curbside access to a city street so refuse won’t have to be placed on someone else’s property for collection.
  • Residences of 4 units or less under one roof will use the residential cart system unless they successfully petition for approval to opt out of the system.
  • Cul-de-sacs should have a minimum 180 degree turning radius of 80 feet to accommodate collection vehicles.
  • Single lane roads or alleys should be at least 12 feet wide with a minimum 90 degree turning radius of 40 feet.

Residential Apartments or Condos (Multi-family Properties)

  • Collection vehicles must have safe access through the complex or room to turn around so they won’t have to back out blindly into the street.
  • If trash carts are to be used, will they be accessible to ASL’s or will there be parked cars in the way?
  • If dumpsters are to be used, will enclosures must be large enough to accommodate containers for garbage and recycling (which are mandatory)?
  • A 10’ x 10’ enclosure will hold one dumpster. A 10’ x 15’ enclosure will hold one dumpster and some carts for recycling. A 10’ x 20’ enclosure will hold a dumpster for garbage and one for recycling.
  • Where will bulk be stored and collected from?
  • Is there sufficient refuse and recycling capacity? Apartments & condos can be expected to generate 1.5 to 2 cubic yards per unit per month.
  • City ordinance requires refuse to be collected at least once per week. (Compactors are exempt from this requirement.)

Commercial Properties

  • Collection vehicles must have safe access through the complex or room to turn around so they won’t have to back out blindly into the street.
  • Front-loaders and roll-off trucks require overhead clearance of 24 feet to service containers.
  • Dumpsters designed to be rolled out onto the street or right-of-way for collection are undesirable and should only be used as a last resort.
  • Commercial recycling is mandatory. See above for sufficient size of dumpster enclosure.

Commercial Resources

Commercial Recycling Signs

Below are different versions of recycling educational signs that are free to download and to be used to promote proper recycling at businesses. These signs are separated based on the type of recycling collection service provided (dual stream or single stream) and the signs contain all the designated recyclables materials as required by the City of Gainesville's Mandatory Commercial Recycling Ordinance. Property managers can download and printout these signs to place in and around recycling collection areas.

Dual Stream Programs

(GFL Environmental, a.k.a. WCA)		 Single Stream Programs

(Republic, Waste Pro, Florida Express)

Generic Dual Stream Recycling Signs

Horizontal Sign(PDF, 3MB)

Generic Single Stream Recycling Signs

Horizontal Sign(PDF, 3MB)

Generic Dual Stream Recycling Signs

Vertical Sign(PDF, 1MB)

Generic Single Stream Recycling Signs

Vertical Sign(PDF, 2MB)

Contact Us

Phone

352-334-2330

 

Email

waste@gainesvillefl.gov

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