Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Montgomery County

Montgomery County, PA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Mandatory?
Yes, under Act 101
Threshold
10,000+ pop, or 5,000+/300 density
Program type
Source-separation and collection
Common materials
Paper, glass, metal, plastic, leaf
County role
Plan and recycling coordinator

Summary

Under Pennsylvania's Act 101, every Montgomery County municipality with 10,000 or more people, and smaller ones over 5,000 with density above 300 per square mile, must run a source-separation and collection program. Most of the county's populous boroughs and townships mandate curbside recycling.

City-specific rules exist: Pottstown has its own recycling requirements rules that differ from Montgomery County's county-level regulations. If you live in Pottstown, check the city-specific page instead.

a municipality other than a county that has a population of 10,000 or more people shall establish and implement a source-separation and collection program for recyclable materials in accordance with this section.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Recycling is required by state law, not merely encouraged. Act 101 (53 P.S. §4000.101 et seq.) directs qualifying municipalities to establish and implement a source-separation and collection program for recyclable materials, determined by decennial census population. In densely populated Montgomery County, most boroughs and townships meet the threshold and mandate that residents separate recyclables such as paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, plastics and leaf waste. The county adopts the Municipal Waste Management Plan and employs a recycling coordinator to help municipalities comply. Contact your municipality for the exact accepted-materials list and collection schedule.

Violations & Fines

Enforced municipally; ordinances may fine residents or businesses that fail to separate recyclables, and haulers may refuse contaminated loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycling required in Montgomery County?
Yes, in most communities. Act 101 requires municipalities of 10,000+ (and smaller dense ones over 5,000) to run a source-separation recycling program, which nearly all populous Montgomery County towns do.
What materials must be recycled?
Programs typically cover paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum and steel cans, plastics and leaf waste. Your municipality's ordinance sets the exact accepted-materials list.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Montgomery County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Montgomery County rules

Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Pennsylvania trash & recycling overview

Get notified when Recycling Requirements in Montgomery County, PA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Recycling Requirements in Cities Across Montgomery County

Pottstown, PA