Bethel, CT Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Bethel's solid waste system runs entirely through registered private collectors rather than a town crew, so there is no single town-wide collection day; each resident or business arranges service with a hauler that has registered with the Board of Selectmen. Chapter 80, Recycling, adopted January 3, 1991, implements the state's mandatory recycling program required by Public Act 90-220. Section 80-3 requires every person who generates solid waste from residential property to separate out items designated for recycling under Connecticut General Statutes § 22a-241b or § 80-4 of this chapter, and requires every other waste generator, meaning businesses and other establishments, to make the same separation provision.

Section 80-4 currently designates cardboard, glass food containers, leaves, metal food containers, newspapers, office paper, scrap metal, storage batteries, and waste oil as required recyclables, with the Board authorized to expand the list. Section 80-5 requires any collector hauling solid waste from residential, business, commercial, or other establishments in Bethel to register with the Town and pay a $25 annual, nontransferable permit fee before collecting. Registered collectors must mark their vehicles with their business name and address, sign an affidavit that recyclables handled in Bethel's name originate from Bethel properties, and may refuse service to a customer more than 30 days delinquent on collector fees until the account is brought current.

Section 80-7 sets container placement rules for those materials: recycling containers go out no earlier than 12 hours before pickup and must be pulled back within 12 hours after collection.