Austin has a Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) adopted in 2012 requiring recycling and organics diversion for commercial properties, multifamily properties, and food-permitted establishments. The URO supports Austin's Zero Waste goal of diverting 90% of waste from landfills by 2040. All properties with trash service of 96 gallons or more per week must provide recycling. Food-permitted businesses must divert organics. Single-family homes receive single-stream recycling through Austin Resource Recovery.
Austin's recycling program for city limits accepts single-stream recyclables including paper, cardboard, plastics #1 through #5, glass bottles and jars, and aluminum and steel cans. Recyclables should be clean, dry, and loose (not bagged) in the recycling cart. Contamination with food waste, plastic bags, styrofoam, or non-recyclable plastics may result in the hauler refusing to collect the bin. Texas state recycling goals may set diversion targets that influence local programs. The county may offer additional programs for composting, electronics recycling, and textile recovery. Check the Austin solid waste department website for accepted materials lists and special collection events.
Repeated contamination of recycling bins may result in service warnings and eventual loss of recycling service. Illegal dumping of recyclables carries fines of $250–$1,000.
Austin, TX
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See how Austin's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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