Regional Compliance Hub: Chemicals, Batteries & Electronics (Mon–Sat) — Alachua County / Gainesville, FL
This regional hub is designed to keep communities compliant by directing residents to the correct, approved drop-off facility for items that are strictly not safe (and commonly not allowed) in standard landfill-bound trash streams—especially paint, batteries, electronics, and fluorescent lamps. Alachua County’s primary “Hazardous Waste & Electronics” facility is the Alachua County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center (HHWCC). [1]
Alachua County HHW Collection Center (HHW + Batteries + Electronics)
One-Stop HazMat Solution (Free for Residents): The HHWCC accepts Household Hazardous Waste (examples include paint, pesticides, oils/automotive fluids, pool chemicals, and fluorescent lamps) and electronics (e.g., computers, TVs/monitors, and other electronics listed by the County program). No direct charge for Alachua County residents per program rules; bring a valid ID. [1][2][3]
- Facility: Alachua County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center (HHWCC)[1]
- Address: 5125 NE 63rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609[1][3]
- Hours: Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM[1]
- Accepted HHW (Examples): paint, pesticides, oils/automotive fluids, pool chemicals, fluorescent lamps (see County lists for full categories).[2][3]
- Electronics (Examples): computers, TVs/monitors, and additional items per County program list.[1]
- Residency: Free for Alachua County residents (bring valid ID per program rules).[1]
Batteries: Critical Fire Hazard — Never Put Lithium Batteries in Apartment Trash
Batteries belong at HHW drop-off. Alachua County directs residents to bring all types of household batteries (including rechargeable lithium-ion packs) to County HHW collection centers—not the trash.
[4]
Why: Lithium batteries can be ignitable/reactive and are a documented fire risk when crushed or damaged in collection and processing systems.
[5][6]
The “Reuse” Area: Swap Shop (Free Usable Paint & Cleaners)
Swap Shop: Alachua County program materials describe a reuse option that helps residents access usable leftover products (commonly paint products and certain household cleaners) at no charge when available. Inventory varies by day and safety rules apply. [3]
Crucial Warnings: Bulk Trash & Mandatory Recycling (Gainesville)
The “Apartment Gap” (Bulk Trash): The City of Gainesville provides weekly bulk item collection as part of its curbside residential service.
However, Gainesville’s curbside garbage service is for homes with four (4) or fewer units.
[7][8]
Apartment Reality: Larger apartment communities (commercial accounts) are generally excluded from free bulk pickup.
Action: Do not leave sofas at the curb. You must either:
(1) ask property management for the building’s bulk process, and/or
(2) self-haul bulky items to the transfer station and pay applicable fees.
[8][9]
Self-Haul Option: Leveda Brown Environmental Park & Transfer Station (Fees Apply)
For furniture and other bulky items that your property cannot manage on-site, Alachua County lists disposal fees at the Leveda Brown Environmental Park & Transfer Station next to the HHWCC. Note: Solid waste disposal is charged by weight; confirm the current fee schedule before driving. [9]
- Location (Transfer Station): 5115 NE 63rd Ave, Gainesville, FL (adjacent to HHW center complex)[9]
- Example Fee: Solid waste fee per ton: $65.00/ton (verify current pricing/terms and minimum charges).[9]
Mandatory Commercial Recycling (Apartments Must Provide Recycling)
Gainesville enforces a Mandatory Commercial Recycling framework that explicitly includes apartments and condominiums.
The City’s apartment recycling guidance requires properties to provide adequate recycling capacity and include designated recyclables—such as
glass bottles & jars, metal cans, paper/cardboard, and plastic bottles/jugs/jars.
[10][11]
Your Right: If your complex does not provide adequate recycling access/capacity, you can report it to the City using the contact options listed on the City recycling pages.
[10]
“Move-Out” Donations: Lease Transition Plan (50+ Units)
Gainesville’s Zero Waste program defines a Lease Transition Plan (Reuse Plan) for commercially-collected residential properties to divert
usable goods, furnishings, electronics, and recyclable cardboard during high-volume move-in/move-out periods.
The City’s guidance identifies peak periods including July 20 – August 25.
[12][13]
Resident Action: Ask property management where the donation station is located and what items are accepted during peak move-out.
[12]
EEAT Sources: [1] Alachua County: Hazardous Waste Collection (HHWCC address, hours, resident program) | [2] Alachua County (PDF): Accepted HHW categories (incl. batteries/fluorescent lamps/paint/pool chemicals) | [3] Alachua County (PDF): HHWCC details + “Swap Shop” reuse concept | [4] Alachua County Recycles: Battery disposal guidance (bring lithium-ion and other batteries to HHW centers) | [5] U.S. EPA: Lithium batteries are often hazardous waste due to ignitability/reactivity | [6] Florida CFO/State Fire Marshal (PDF): Never place lithium-ion batteries in garbage or recycling carts/bins | [7] City of Gainesville: Bulk Item Collection (weekly bulk for curbside residential homes) | [8] City of Gainesville: Garbage collection service for homes with four (4) or fewer units | [9] Alachua County: Leveda Brown Environmental Park & Transfer Station (fees incl. $65/ton) | [10] City of Gainesville: Apartment Recycling requirements (designated materials incl. glass bottles & jars; adequate capacity) | [11] City of Gainesville: Commercial Waste & Recycling (commercial generators include apartments/condos; designated recyclables) | [12] City of Gainesville: Zero Waste Initiative (Lease Transition Plan definition; July/Aug move-out window) | [13] City of Gainesville (PDF): Multi-Family Property Lease Transition Plan form (submission framework)
Gainesville and Alachua County property owners and community managers: simplify recycling compliance while boosting resident satisfaction. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling service aligns with City of Gainesville commercial recycling rules and the Alachua County Solid Waste Code to reduce contamination and enhance NOI — all with a turnkey, inspector-friendly program.
In Gainesville, recycling service is mandatory for commercially collected multi-family residential properties under City Code Ch. 27, Art. III, Div. 3, Sec. 27-85 (“Mandatory commercial recycling”), including specific standards for multi-family properties and large complexes with move-in/move-out “Lease Transition Plans.” In unincorporated Alachua County, property owners must comply with Alachua County Code Ch. 75 (Solid Waste Code), including proper use of recycling receptacles and source separation of recyclable materials.
- NOI & Property Value Lift: Sustainability amenities and cleaner enclosures that increase resident retention and curb appeal.
- Resident Convenience & Cleanliness: Doorstep recycling pickup keeps dumpsters cleaner, reduces overflow, and cuts contamination.
- Compliance Simplified: Aligns with Gainesville Sec. 27-85 multi-family requirements and Alachua County Ch. 75 recycling rules.
- Local Code Alignment: Code-backed, inspector-ready program design, resident education, and documentation.
At a Glance: City of Gainesville vs Unincorporated Alachua County
City of Gainesville (Commercially Collected Multifamily)
- Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling for commercial generators, including multi-family residential (commercially collected) under Sec. 27-85.
- Applicability Threshold: Applies to all commercially collected multi-family properties within city limits. Additional Lease Transition (Reuse) Plan requirements apply to:
- Properties with 200+ leased units – effective July 1, 2023.
- Properties with 50+ leased units – effective January 1, 2025.
- Minimum Service & On-Site Standards:
- Recycle all designated materials: corrugated cardboard, paperboard, newspaper & magazines, office paper, metal cans, glass bottles & jars, plastic bottles/jugs/jars.
- Recycling must be as convenient and accessible to residents as garbage collection (co-located or similarly convenient containers).
- Provide adequate recycling container capacity for the volume generated.
- Indoor containers: at least one indoor recycle storage container per unit (effective Oct. 1, 2023), with responsibility ultimately on the unit owner if not provided by management or the association.
- Resident Education & Move-In/Move-Out:
- Provide recycling information to all residents at move-in and at least annually.
- Post and maintain recycling educational signage in common collection areas.
- For properties subject to the Lease Transition (Reuse) Plan:
- Designate a donation collection site for reusable household goods, furnishings, and electronics.
- Include a weather protection plan for donated items.
- Identify one or more local reuse organizations to receive donations.
- Provide residents at least one month’s notice before high-volume move-out periods with donation and diversion information.
- Plan around designated high-volume periods (e.g., late April–mid-May and late July–late August).
- Fines & Penalties (City): The City may enforce the commercial recycling ordinance (including multi-family provisions) with a civil citation of $125.00 per occurrence or per day, as described in the City’s Apartment Recycling FAQ and authorized under Ordinance No. 210129 (Sec. 27-85).
- Key City Links: Gainesville Apartment Recycling · Zero Waste & Lease Transition Plans · Sec. 27-85 Mandatory Commercial Recycling (PDF) · Commercial Waste & Recycling (Fines FAQ)
Unincorporated Alachua County
- Mandate Type: Solid Waste & Recycling Code requiring proper use of receptacles and source separation of recyclable materials under Ch. 75 (Solid Waste Code).
- Applicability Threshold: Applies to property owners countywide, including multi-family properties in unincorporated areas, for correct use of solid waste and recycling containers.
- Container & Separation Rules:
- Unlawful use of receptacles (Sec. 75.206): residents may not place solid waste or recyclables into containers not owned by them or not designated for their use by the hauler, permit holder, or property.
- Recovered materials: property owners must ensure that recyclable materials are placed in appropriate recycling containers and kept as free from contamination as practicable.
- Coordinate with the hauler or service provider so that recycling services and receptacles match the volume and mix of materials generated at the property.
- Program Duties for Multi-Family:
- Provide residents with recycling containers or access to designated recycling receptacles.
- Educate residents on what belongs in recycling vs. garbage and that they may not use other properties’ containers.
- Maintain common collection areas to minimize contamination and illegal dumping.
- Fines & Penalties (County):
- Violations of Ch. 75 (including failing to source-separate recyclables) are enforceable pursuant to Alachua County Code Sec. 10.08 (general penalties) and the County’s Code Enforcement system in Ch. 24.
- Penalties and fines are imposed through the County’s citation procedures and special magistrate system, which may result in citations and daily accruing fines for continued non-compliance.
- See Ch. 75 Solid Waste Code, Sec. 10.08 & Ch. 24 (Code Enforcement) – Alachua County Code, and the Solid Waste Ordinance Amendment (PDF) for enforcement framework.
- Key County Links: Alachua County Code Ch. 75 (Solid Waste) · Alachua County Code (Sec. 10.08 & Ch. 24) · County Residential Solid Waste & Recycling · County Commercial & Multifamily Guidance
Fines & Penalties Snapshot
- City of Gainesville: The City may issue a civil citation of $125.00 per occurrence or per day for non-compliance with the commercial recycling ordinance (including multi-family requirements), per the City’s Apartment Recycling enforcement FAQ and Ordinance No. 210129, Sec. 27-85 (PDF).
- Alachua County (Unincorporated): Violations of the Solid Waste Code — including failure to source-separate recyclable materials or unlawful use of receptacles — are enforceable under Ch. 75 (Solid Waste Code), in conjunction with Sec. 10.08 (General Penalties) & Ch. 24 (Code Enforcement). Fines may accrue daily for ongoing violations under the County’s citation and special magistrate procedures.
- Operational Risk: Repeated contamination, missing recycling service, or lack of resident education can increase inspection risk and trigger formal code enforcement action and fines at both City and County levels.
Property Manager Compliance Checklist (Gainesville & Alachua County)
| Task | Action / Requirement | Resources / Links |
|---|---|---|
| ☑ Confirm Required Recycling Service | For Gainesville properties, maintain an active agreement for trash and designated recycling service that meets Sec. 27-85 requirements. For unincorporated Alachua County, ensure your hauler provides appropriate recycling containers and service level for your property. | Gainesville Apartment Recycling · Alachua County Commercial & Multifamily |
| ☑ Gainesville Multifamily Program Setup | Provide recycling containers for all designated materials (cardboard, paperboard, paper, metal cans, glass, plastic bottles/jugs/jars). Ensure recycling is as convenient and accessible to residents as garbage and that collection capacity matches demand. Provide one indoor recycling container per unit (or notify unit owners of their responsibility if not provided). | Sec. 27-85 Commercial Recycling (PDF) · Commercial Waste & Recycling (Fines & FAQs) |
| ☑ Lease Transition (Reuse) Plan – Larger Gainesville Properties | If your Gainesville property has 200+ leased units (now) or 50+ leased units (by Jan. 1, 2025), develop a written Lease Transition / Reuse Plan that: identifies onsite donation collection areas, includes a weather protection strategy, names reuse partners, and schedules operations around high move-out periods. Provide residents at least one month’s notice with donation and diversion information. | Zero Waste Initiative & Reuse Plans · City of Gainesville Code & Programs |
| ☑ Resident Education, Signage & Ongoing Communication | Give residents clear recycling instructions at move-in and at least once per year. Post durable, easy-to-read signs at every shared collection area showing what is recyclable and where to place it. For large Gainesville properties subject to the Reuse Plan, send special communication before peak move-out periods with donation and diversion details. | Gainesville Apartment Recycling · Alachua County Residential Recycling |
| ☑ County Receptacle Rules & Enforcement Awareness | For unincorporated Alachua County properties, train residents that they may not place waste or recyclables in containers not designated for their use and must keep recyclables in the appropriate recycling containers, per Sec. 75.206. Work with your hauler and staff to monitor for contamination, illegal dumping, and misuse to avoid County code enforcement action and fines. | Alachua County Ch. 75 (Solid Waste) · County Code (Penalties & Enforcement) · County Code Enforcement |
Need a fast compliance check? Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Gainesville or Alachua County property — we’ll right-size your containers, draft resident education, and prepare inspection-ready documentation and Lease Transition / Reuse Plan support where required.
Interested in talking about how we can work together? Here's our contact info.
