Delaware Statewide Rule

Delaware Universal Recycling Law Statewide Mandate

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Delaware (2026)

Key Facts

Governing law: 7 Del. C. Sections 6051-6060
Coverage: All properties statewide
Yard waste ban: Prohibited at landfills
Collection style: Single-stream required
Hauler obligation: Must offer recycling

Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Delaware Code

Summary

Delaware's Universal Recycling Law (7 Del. C. Sections 6051-6060) requires waste haulers to offer single-stream recycling to all homes, multifamily properties, and businesses statewide, and bans yard waste from the state's landfills.

a. Single-stream curbside recycling collection services to all of their Delaware single-family residential customers, including delivery of a container for the purpose of storage and collection of recyclables that is adequately sized for the customers use such that recycling is encouraged and disposal of recyclables is discouraged; and the recyclables collection service shall be provided at a frequency of not less than once every other week.

Source: Delaware CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Enacted in 2010, Delaware's Universal Recycling Law (7 Del. C. Sections 6051-6060) phased in statewide recycling access. By January 2014, all single-family homes, multifamily complexes, and businesses had to have access to single-stream recycling collection. Licensed waste haulers must provide recycling service and report tonnage to the Delaware Solid Waste Authority. Yard waste cannot be landfilled at Authority facilities. Municipalities may run their own programs but cannot exempt residents from the mandate. Acceptable materials include paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastic containers numbered 1, 2, and 5.

Violations & Penalties

Waste haulers that fail to offer recycling or report accurately 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Delaware city opt out of the recycling mandate?

No. The Universal Recycling Law applies statewide to every residence and business. Municipalities and counties may run their own programs but cannot exempt properties from the recycling requirement.

Is yard waste accepted at Delaware landfills?

No. Yard waste, including grass clippings, leaves, and brush, is banned from disposal at the Delaware Solid Waste Authority landfills. Residents must compost or use yard waste collection programs.

Sources

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