New Castle County, DE Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Container standard
- Leakproof, covered, outdoor-rated
- Who supplies containers
- Dwelling owner
- Food establishment pickup
- 2x/week, ≤72 hrs apart, Apr 15-Oct 15
- Geographic scope
- Unincorporated county + opt-in municipalities
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Land Use code official
Summary
New Castle County requires leakproof, covered containers for household rubbish, garbage and recycling, with the dwelling owner responsible for supplying them.
308.2.1 Rubbish, garbage and recycling - disposal, containers. Every occupant of a dwelling shall dispose of rubbish, garbage and recycling in a clean and sanitary manner by placing the rubbish, garbage and recycling in approved containers that are leakproof, covered, and designed for outside garbage storage and disposal. The owner of the dwelling shall be responsible for providing the requisite rubbish, garbage and recycling containers.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
Under the county's Property Maintenance Code (the amended 2024 International Property Maintenance Code), every occupant must dispose of rubbish, garbage and recycling in approved containers that are leakproof, covered, and designed for outside storage, and the dwelling owner is responsible for providing those containers. Businesses face a parallel duty: any establishment producing rubbish or garbage must provide and keep in use approved leakproof, close-fitting-cover containers until pickup, and food establishments (NAICS 722) must have waste hauled at least twice weekly, no more than 72 hours apart, from April 15 to October 15. This code applies in unincorporated New Castle County and in any incorporated municipality that opts to have the county provide property maintenance enforcement. Wilmington and Newark run their own separate codes and are not covered here unless they've opted in.
Violations & Fines
Department of Land Use code officials enforce via administrative proceedings; the code authorizes cost recovery for corrective action and administrative penalties, plus liens for unpaid fees under related sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside Wilmington or Newark?
Who has to buy the trash cans?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Castle County
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