El Paso, TX Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Recycling storage rule
- Uncontainerized in cart, lid closed
- Collection frequency
- Set by director, § 9.04.090(B)
- Cart weight limit
- 150 lbs including contents
- Set-out window
- After 6 p.m. day before, before 5 a.m.
- Curb removal deadline
- By 7:00 p.m. collection day
- Exclusive hauler
- City (except triplex/quadriplex)
- Enforcing dept.
- Dept. of Environmental Services
Summary
El Paso runs a curbside recycling program for residential properties. City Code § 9.04.060(B) requires program recyclable materials to be stored loose (except shredded paper) in the city-issued recycling cart with the lid closed, and § 9.04.090(B) entitles every household to recycling pickup on a frequency the director of environmental services sets.
B.Recyclable materials. Program recyclable materials shall be stored, uncontainerized (with the exception of shredded paper), in carts designated by the city for collection of program recyclable materials. Program recyclable materials shall not be accumulated or stored outside of carts, and cart lids must remain closed at all times when not adding program recyclable materials to carts. Recyclable materials other than program recyclable materials may only be accumulated and stored at the residential property if in accordance with federal, state and local laws. [§ 9.04.090] Occupants of residential properties shall, at a minimum, receive the following collections, on the day designated by the director: A.Collection once per week of one municipal solid waste cart;B.Collection on a frequency to be designated by the director for one (1) program recyclable materials cart; and C.On-call collection of bulk waste upon notification and payment of applicable established fees to the department.
Full Breakdown
04 (Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials) covers every residential property in the city where the department of environmental services is the collection provider. 060(B) sets the storage rule for the recycling cart: program recyclable materials must be kept uncontainerized inside the cart, shredded paper is the one exception, which may be bagged, and may not be piled up outside the cart or left with the lid open when nothing is being added. Recyclables that fall outside the city's designated "program recyclable materials" list may only be stored on the property if doing so complies with federal, state and local law.
090 sets the pickup side of the program: occupants receive collection of one recycling cart on a frequency the director of the department of environmental services designates, alongside a weekly pickup of the municipal solid waste cart and on-call bulk-waste collection once a fee is paid. on the collection day. 070, the city is the exclusive hauler for single-family and duplex residential recycling, only occupants of a triplex or quadriplex may hire a different permitted hauler instead. 100(A)(3), and only recyclable material actually generated at that residential property may go into the cart assigned to it.
Violations & Fines
Placing municipal solid waste in the recycling cart, overloading a cart past 150 pounds, or leaving a cart out past 7:00 p.m. on collection day is a violation of Chapter 9.04, and § 9.04.530(A)(3) authorizes the city to charge an established noncompliance fee to a residential account that fails to follow the cart requirements, on top of any other remedy the city may pursue for a Title 9 violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recycling mandatory for El Paso residents?
How should I store recyclables in my bin?
How much can I put in the recycling cart?
When does the collection frequency for recycling get set?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso
Texas rules heatmap·Compare El Paso to another location·View the Texas trash & recycling overview
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