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Outagamie County, WI Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing law
County Code ch. 46, art. III
Materials covered
15 recyclable categories
First offense
$50 minimum forfeiture
Enforced by
County Solid Waste Department

Summary

Outagamie County requires households, apartment buildings and businesses to separate 15 categories of recyclables, batteries, appliances, oil, yard waste, glass, paper and plastics, from regular trash before disposal.

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

Occupants of single-family and two- to four-unit residences, multiple-family dwellings and nonresidential facilities and/or properties shall separate the following materials from post consumer waste: (1)Lead-acid batteries.(2)Major appliances.(3)Waste oil.(4)Yard waste.(5)Minimum containers.(6)Bimetal containers.(7)Corrugated paper or other container board.(8)Foam polystyrene packaging.(9)Glass containers.(10)Magazines.(11)Newspaper.(12)Office paper.(13)Rigid plastic containers...(14)Steel containers.(15)Waste tires.

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 26).

Full Breakdown

Under Chapter 46's recycling article, occupants of single-family and two-to-four-unit homes, multi-family buildings, and nonresidential properties must separate lead-acid batteries, major appliances, waste oil, yard waste, and eleven categories of paper, glass, metal and plastic containers from their regular trash before it reaches the county landfill. The duty extends countywide, including the Calumet County and Winnebago County portions of the City of Appleton and the City of New London area in Waupaca County, wherever those areas deliver materials to the county solid waste system. Separated materials must be kept reasonably free of food residue, grease and hazardous contaminants.

Violations & Fines

Noncompliance is enforced under the chapter's forfeiture schedule: not less than $50 for a first offense, not less than $100 for a second, and up to $500 for a third or later violation, plus court costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the recycling ordinance apply inside Appleton?
Yes for the county solid waste system, § 46-154(f) extends it to the Calumet and Winnebago County portions of Appleton and to the New London area in Waupaca County.
What can't I throw in the regular trash?
Batteries, major appliances, waste oil, yard waste, glass, cans, paper, cardboard, foam packaging and rigid plastics must all be separated out under § 46-156.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Outagamie County

All Outagamie County rules

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Recycling Requirements in Cities Across Outagamie County