Wilmington, DE Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection frequency
- Weekly, by district
- Schedule set by
- Public works commissioner
- Mixing garbage w/ ashes/rubbish
- Prohibited
- Base fine
- $100–$1,000 per offense
- Max jail time
- 6 months
Summary
The city's public works department collects household ashes, rubbish, and yard waste every week on a set day by district, and residents must sort waste and place it out only as the department directs: dumping garbage in with ashes or rubbish for collection is against the rules.
It shall be the duty of the department of public works to collect, take up and remove, or cause to be collected, taken up and removed, 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 in such manner as may be directed from time to time by the public works commissioner of the department of public works; provided, that such ashes, sweepings, cut grass, rakings from yards and lawns, vines, shrubbery and waste or rejected miscellaneous matter are placed as directed in accordance with the regulations prescribed by this division, except ashes made or accumulated from firing boilers for manufacturing purposes or from firing boilers for the production of light or power.
(Code 1968, § 33-20)
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
Wilmington City Code § 45-266 makes weekly, by-district curbside collection a duty of the department of public works, with the collection day and placement method set by the public works commissioner. Section 45-267 bars mixing garbage, manure, or other offensive matter in with ashes or rubbish set out for pickup, and § 45-269 makes it unlawful for anyone but a city employee or agent to disturb collection containers without the owner's permission.
Violations & Fines
Violating the solid-waste article is a misdemeanor: a fine of at least $100 per offense (up to $1,000) or up to six months in jail, per § 45-247; container tampering under § 45-269 is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides my trash pickup day in Wilmington?
Can I put garbage out mixed with ashes or yard waste?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wilmington
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