Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Trash & Recycling in West Haven, CT (2026)

8 verified trash & recycling rules for West Haven, Connecticut, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Bin Placement Rules

In the City of West Haven, Connecticut, trash containers go out at the curbline, or at the edge of the roadway where there are no curbs, and no earlier than 24 hours before the day of collection. Section 119-1 sets both rules, violations carry a $100 fine, and each day is a separate offense.

West Haven Trash Container Set-Out Rules

Some Restrictions

West Haven Code § 119-1

H. Containers shall be set out for removal at the curbline or edge of the roadway in areas without curbs. The collection of garbage and refuse by private collectors from commercial buildings, apartments and condominiums will be under the jurisdiction of the Director of Public Works. I. Containers shall be set out for removal no earlier than 24 hours preceding the day of collection.

Bulk Item Disposal

In the City of West Haven, Connecticut, the Department of Public Works collects large refuse, bulk refuse and appliances as three separate classes, each at times established by the Commissioner of Public Works. Bulk refuse is material more than three by three feet by three feet, not more than six feet in any direction and/or weighing more than 70 pounds but not more than 300 pounds.

West Haven Bulk Refuse and Appliance Collection

Some Restrictions

West Haven Code § 119-3

A. Large refuse. (1) Large refuse and waste materials too large or bulky to fit into containers will be collected at the times established by the Commissioner of Public Works. (2) "Large refuse" shall mean refuse and waste materials too large or bulky to fit into containers that is tied securely in bundles not heavier than 70 pounds, more than three feet in diameter and not more than six feet i...

Recycling Requirements

In the City of West Haven, Connecticut, recycling is mandatory. West Haven Code § 119-13 sets up a program requiring separation of recyclables from solid waste, and the city or its agent collects from all private dwellings, meaning houses of up to three units and condominiums. Each household gets one free recycling container, while owners of larger buildings and businesses arrange their own recycling.

West Haven CT Mandatory Curbside Recycling Requirements

Some Restrictions

West Haven Code § 119-13

A. Pursuant to Public Act No. 90-220 of the State of Connecticut, there is hereby established in the City of West Haven a program for the mandatory separation from solid waste of recyclables, as defined in this article, and the mandatory recycling of such separated items. B. The City of West Haven and its agents are responsible for the collection of recyclable materials from all private dwellin...

Illegal Dumping

In the City of West Haven, Connecticut, throwing or depositing litter on occupied private property or on vacant lots is banned, and a violation is a misdemeanor with a $150 fine, with each day counting as a separate offense.

West Haven CT Litter and Dumping Penalties

Some Restrictions

West Haven Code §§ 142-19, 142-21, 142-23

No person shall throw or deposit litter on any occupied private property within the city, whether owned by such person or not, except that the owner or person in control of private property may maintain authorized private receptacles for collection in such a manner that litter will be prevented from being carried or deposited by the elements upon any street, sidewalk or other public place or up...

Yard Waste Collection

In the City of West Haven, Connecticut, Public Works collects brush, branches and lumber cut to no more than six feet and tied in bundles not exceeding 70 pounds, and grass and leaves secured in approved containers or plastic bags of no more than 70 pounds. Sweeping leaves into a public street and burning leaves or grass are prohibited.

West Haven Brush, Grass and Leaf Collection Rules

Some Restrictions

West Haven Code § 119-3

D. Lumber, brush, branches and tree limbs shall be collected by the Department of Public Works, provided that such objects are cut into lengths not more than six feet in length and securely tied in bundles not exceeding 70 pounds. E. Grass and leaves shall be collected by the Department of Public Works, provided they are secured in approved containers or plastic bags and do not exceed 70 pounds...

Dumpster Rules

In the City of West Haven, Connecticut, no person, firm or business can place a rubbish container (dumpster) on any street, highway or sidewalk without a permit from the Director of Public Works. The supplying contractor files a $500 bond, the permit application fee is $10, and each container carries reflectors.

West Haven Dumpster Permit Rules

Significant Restrictions

West Haven Code § 119-5

No person, firm or business shall place or have placed a rubbish container (dumpster) on any street, highway or sidewalk in the City of West Haven without first obtaining a permit from the Director of Public Works pursuant to the terms and provisions of this article as hereinafter set forth.

Collection Schedule

In the City of West Haven, Connecticut, the Department of Public Works collects garbage and refuse from all private dwellings, and every householder must supply approved containers. Under West Haven Code § 119-1, containers hold no more than 30 gallons, weigh no more than 70 pounds, go at the curbline, and cannot be set out earlier than 24 hours before collection.

West Haven CT Residential Trash Collection and Set-Out Rules

Some Restrictions

West Haven Code § 119-1

D. The Department of Public Works is responsible for the collection, removal and disposal of garbage, refuse and other waste material from all private dwellings in the city. ... ... E. The collection of garbage, refuse and other waste material from industrial, business and apartment buildings of more than four dwelling units shall be the responsibility of the property owner(s). F. It shall be t...

Recycling Rules

West Haven Code § 119-14 tells residents how to prepare each recyclable in the City of West Haven, Connecticut. Newspaper goes in paper bags or bundles, cardboard is collapsed and tied, and glass, metal and plastic containers must be rinsed clean. Bundles are capped at 30 pounds, and mixing recyclables with trash or hazardous waste is unlawful under § 119-15.

West Haven CT Recycling Preparation and Sorting Rules

Some Restrictions

West Haven Code § 119-14

A. Recyclables shall be prepared for collection in the following manner: (1) Newspaper. Newspaper shall be placed in paper bags (not plastic) or tied in bundles. Bundles should not weigh more than 30 pounds. ... (2) Cardboard. Corrugated boxes and cardboard cartons shall be collapsed and tied in bundles weighing not more than 30 pounds. ... (3) Glass food containers. Containers must be rinsed c...