Erie, PA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- City of Erie Codified Ordinances Article 958
- State authority
- PA Act 101 of 1988 (Recycling Act)
- Multi-family threshold
- more than four dwelling units per structure
- Collection frequency
- at least one day per month (non-leaf)
- Penalty
- $25 to $300 per offense plus costs
- Curbside ownership
- recyclables become city property once set out
- Lead-acid batteries
- banned from trash; must go to authorized recycler
Summary
Erie residents must separate recyclables from trash and set them out under the city's mandatory Recovery Program. Landlords of multi-family buildings with more than four units must set up their own on-site collection system for tenants. The city collects recyclables other than leaf waste at least one day each month. Violators face fines of $25 to $300 per offense under Article 958.
All persons who are residents of the City shall separate all materials to be recycled from all other municipal solid waste produced at their residences and shall place the same for collection by the City in accordance with the regulations established herein. The owner, landlord or agent of an owner or landlord of a multi-family housing property (more than four dwelling units per structure) shall be in compliance with this article by establishing a collection system for recyclable materials at each property. The collection system shall include suitable containers for collecting and sorting materials, easily accessible locations for the containers and written instructions to the occupants concerning the use and availability of the collection system. Collection for the recyclable materials other than leaf waste shall be provided at least one day each month.
Full Breakdown
The City of Erie created its mandatory Recovery Program under Ordinance 59-1990, codified as Article 958, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act of 1988 (Act 101) and the Third Class City Code. 04). 06). Owners, landlords or their agents at multi-family properties with more than four dwelling units must instead run their own collection system: suitable sorting containers, an accessible location, and written instructions to tenants on how to use it. Collection of recyclables other than leaf waste happens at least one day every month. 08); a resident can still donate or sell materials directly to a buyer instead. 10). 05). 11).
Violations & Fines
Violating any part of Article 958, from skipping separation to running an unlicensed recyclables pickup, carries a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $300 plus the cost of prosecution, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense (§ 958.14). The City can also refuse to collect a load that mixes recyclables with regular trash, or trash mixed with recyclables, until it's sorted correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to separate my recyclables in Erie?
Does my apartment building have its own recycling requirement?
Can someone else take the recyclables I put at the curb?
What's the fine for not following Erie's recycling rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Erie
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