Delaware Universal Recycling Law Statewide Mandate

Enacted in 2010, Delaware's Universal Recycling Law mandated phased recycling access statewide. By January 2014, all single-family homes, multifamily complexes, and businesses must have access to single-stream recycling collection. Licensed waste haulers must provide recycling service to customers and report tonnage to the Delaware Solid Waste Authority. Yard waste cannot be deposited at the state's landfills. The law applies universally; municipalities cannot exempt residents from the recycling mandate but may operate their own collection programs. Acceptable materials include paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastic containers numbered 1, 2, and 5.

Waste haulers failing to offer recycling or accurately report face civil penalties under 7 Del. C. Section 6005, up to $10,000 per day per violation, enforced by DNREC and the Delaware Solid Waste Authority.