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Fargo, ND Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing law
Fargo Municipal Code § 13-0530
Requirement
Recyclables go in marked containers only
Penalty
Infraction, fine up to $500
Enforced by
Solid Waste Operations Manager

Summary

Fargo's Composting and Recycling Program requires trash and recyclables to go into properly marked containers at city deposit sites, making it a violation to dump non-compatible waste in the wrong bin.

It shall be unlawful for any person, corporation, or any agent or employee thereof to place in the compost or deposit sites established by the City any non-compatible trash. Trash and recyclable materials shall be deposited in the appropriate containers and anyone depositing trash in a container not marked or designated for that type of trash or recyclable material shall be guilty of a violation of this section.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under § 13-0530, it's unlawful to dump non-compatible trash at the compost or deposit sites the City of Fargo has set up for its Composting and Recycling Program. Trash and recyclable materials must go into the appropriate containers, and depositing waste in a bin not marked or designated for that material type is itself a violation. The Solid Waste Operations Manager oversees collection and disposal citywide (§ 13-0505), and willful violations of this article are infractions carrying a fine up to $500, with each day of noncompliance counted as a separate offense (§ 13-0525).

Violations & Fines

Willful violation of Article 13-05, including § 13-0530's sorting rule, is an infraction with a fine up to $500 per § 13-0525; each day of continued violation is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I put trash in a recycling container in Fargo?
You're guilty of a violation under § 13-0530; willful violations of the waste article are infractions punishable by a fine up to $500 under § 13-0525.
Where does Fargo's recycling program apply?
At the compost and deposit sites the City has established under its Composting and Recycling Program: materials must go into the container marked for that specific type of waste.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fargo

Collection ScheduleSignificant RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsValet Trash RulesHeavy RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Fargo rules

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