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Wilmington, DE Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Frequency
Weekly, by district
Set out
Per department placement rules
Enforcing agency
Dept. of Public Works
Minimum fine
$100 per violation period
Multifamily (5+ units)
Dumpster service required

Summary

The city's public works department picks up household trash, ashes, and yard waste once a week on a fixed day assigned by district.

It shall be the duty of the department of public works to collect, take up and remove... all ashes, sweepings, cut grass, rakings from yards and lawns, vines and shrubbery, and waste or rejected miscellaneous matter which cannot be readily burned that are made or accumulated in any buildings or premises in the city every week, by districts, and on such day or days as provided by this division, and to deposit or dispose of same in such place or manner as may be directed from time to time by the public works commissioner.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 45-266 puts the duty on the department of public works to collect ashes, sweepings, cut grass, and similar rejected matter from every building or premises in Wilmington every week, by districts, on the day or days the department sets for that district. Materials must be set out under the department's placement rules, and mixing garbage or refuse in with the ashes/rubbish set out under this section is separately barred by § 45-267. Multifamily buildings with five or more units, and licensed businesses, must instead arrange dumpster-based collection and disposal under § 45-250.

Violations & Fines

Violating the solid waste article is a misdemeanor under § 45-247: a fine of at least $100.00 per 1-7 day period of the offense, up to $1,000.00 per offense, plus prosecution costs, or up to 6 months in jail, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

What day is trash picked up in Wilmington?
It depends on your district: the public works commissioner sets the collection day or days for each district under § 45-266.
Can I put ashes and rubbish in with garbage?
No. City Code § 45-267 bars mixing garbage, refuse, animal or vegetable matter, or offensive matter in with ashes or rubbish set out for this collection.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Wilmington

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsDumpster RulesSignificant RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesHeavy RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Wilmington rules

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