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Louisiana Statewide Rule

Louisiana Sets a Voluntary Statewide Recycling Goal, No Mandate

Light RestrictionsApplies statewide across Louisiana (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
La. R.S. 30:2411
Goal
30% waste reduction by 2006
Mandate
None; goal, not requirement
Agency
LA Dept. of Environmental Quality
Penalty
No fine for missing goal
Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Louisiana's Solid Waste Recycling and Reduction Law, La. R.S. 30:2411, sets a statewide goal of cutting the waste stream 30 percent through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling by December 31, 2006. It is a goal, not a recycling mandate on residents or businesses.

The legislature finds that removal of certain materials from the solid waste stream going into landfills... is necessary in order to protect our environment, prevent nuisances, protect the public health, safety, and welfare, extend the usable life of the facilities, aid in the conservation and recovery of valuable resources, and to conserve energy... Establish a goal of reducing the solid waste stream through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling by thirty percent by December 31, 2006.

Full Breakdown

The Solid Waste Recycling and Reduction Law, La. R.S. 30:2411, declares that pulling materials out of the landfill stream protects health, conserves resources, and extends landfill life, and it directs the state to "[e]stablish a goal of reducing the solid waste stream through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling by thirty percent by December 31, 2006." The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality administers the program, pushes state agencies toward source separation and buy-recycled purchasing, and tracks progress. The statute sets no curbside-recycling mandate and no recycling quota for households, businesses, or parishes.

Violations & Penalties

The goal carries no penalty. Missing it triggers no fine or sanction, and no household, business, or parish faces enforcement for failing to recycle under La. R.S. 30:2411.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Louisiana require residents to recycle?
No. La. R.S. 30:2411 sets a voluntary statewide 30 percent waste-reduction goal but imposes no recycling mandate on households, businesses, or parishes.
Who runs recycling policy in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality administers the recycling program and directs state agencies, but the 30 percent goal in La. R.S. 30:2411 carries no enforcement or penalty.

Sources

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