City of Pensacola Shares Holiday Recycling Tips as Seasonal Waste Increases

The holiday season is officially here, bringing joy, celebration, and—unfortunately—extra household waste. U.S. households generate up to 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, much of which is recyclable.

To help residents manage the seasonal surge, the City of Pensacola Sanitation Services Department is sharing important “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” reminders and tips for keeping the community clean a­nd sustainable during the busiest time of year.

Between online shopping deliveries, gift-giving, and festive gatherings, recyclable materials such as cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, and packaging can accumulate quickly. By properly recycling these items, residents help reduce landfill waste, conserve natural resources, and support a cleaner Pensacola.

Curbside recycling provides Pensacola residents with a convenient way to make an environmental impact without leaving home. Accepted recyclables can be placed directly into curbside recycling bins and collected on regular pickup days.

The City’s curbside recycling program accepts a wide range of holiday-related materials when they are clean and prepared correctly, including:

• Flattened cardboard boxes from online orders and gift packaging
• Non-metallic, glitter-free wrapping paper
• Paperboard, such as toy boxes and other packaging
• Plastic bottles and containers that are empty, clean, and dry
• Rinsed and fully dried aluminum cans

Residents are encouraged to review the City of Pensacola’s recycling guide for a complete list of accepted materials and preparation instructions. Important preparation tips include:

• No food or liquids. Empty all containers.
• No bagged recycling, plastic bags or plastic wraps.
• Break down all cardboard boxes. Boxes left intact can block garbage and recycling carts, preventing them from being fully emptied.
• Have extra boxes? City of Pensacola residents with a large volume of flattened boxes (between knee and waist height) can request a free special pickup by contacting Sanitation Services.

Make Recycling Part of Your Holiday Tradition

Reducing waste, reusing what you can, and recycling properly all help protect local wildlife, reduce litter, and support a greener Pensacola. Whether you are unwrapping gifts or hosting seasonal celebrations, residents are encouraged to make recycling part of their holiday routine.

To sign up for curbside recycling or learn more about holiday recycling guidelines, visit the City of Pensacola’s Sanitation Services webpage.

About City of Pensacola Sanitation Services

The City of Pensacola Sanitation Services Department is committed to keeping the community clean, sustainable, and beautiful through dependable residential and commercial waste collection, recycling programs, yard debris services, bulk waste pickup, and special event support. The department proudly promotes environmental responsibility and provides education on waste reduction while serving thousands of residents and businesses each week.