City of Ocala Transitions Curbside Recycling Collection to Drop-Off Program

OCALA, Fla. (June 1, 2026) - Beginning July 6, the City of Ocala will transition from curbside recycling collection to a citywide drop-off recycling program designed to maintain recycling access while helping reduce sanitation costs for residents.

The transition follows City Council approval on Feb. 3 as part of the City's broader effort to manage increasing operational expenses and reduce the financial impact of sanitation rate adjustments on residents. Transitioning from curbside recycling collection offsets costs that would otherwise add approximately $4.96 per month to residential sanitation rates.

Single-stream curbside recycling has faced ongoing contamination challenges caused by non-recyclable materials being placed in recycling carts. Contaminated recycling increases processing costs, reduces operational efficiency and makes the curbside program increasingly difficult to sustain in a cost-effective manner.

The transition to a drop-off recycling model allows the City to continue offering residents a recycling option while balancing service delivery with long-term fiscal responsibility.

Residents will be able to continue recycling at the following City drop-off locations:

• Mary Sue Rich Community Center
• Croskey Center / Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex
• Ocala Regional Sportsplex
• Polly Palmer Park
• West of Fire Station No. 5 off of NE 24^th Street
• NE Eighth Avenue and NE 14^th Street
• Jervey Gantt Park
• SE 31^st Street and SE Fifth Terrace

Residents currently participating in curbside recycling will not need to take any immediate action. Existing recycling carts will automatically convert to garbage carts on July 6 unless a resident requests removal of the cart.

City code allows up to two garbage carts per household. Residents who currently have two garbage carts plus a recycling cart will have the recycling cart removed automatically, and no action will be required.

For more information regarding sanitation service changes, residents may contact the City of Ocala Sanitation Division at 352-351-6697.

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